2024-06-02 Honoring Reverend David Abernathys Retirement PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION#2024-06-02
HONORING REVEREND DAVID ABERNATHY'S RETIREMENT
VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors("Board") adopted the following Resolution at its
Business Meeting on June 18, 2024:
WHEREAS, after thirty-five (35) years of serving as a chaplain to Pittsylvania County, Virginia
("County"), and in the City of Danville, Virginia, with Good News Global, Reverend David Abernathy
("Abernathy") is retiring on July 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS,he and his wife,Liz,are Danville natives and were married in 1976. They actively led music
and youth programs in area churches, and Abernathy spent ten (10) years in the retail new car business, prior to
becoming a missionary; and
WHEREAS,prior to joining Good News in 1989,Abernathy was a volunteer in the County and City jail, and
served two(2)years on the local Good News Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as "The Rev" when behind jail walls, Abernathy ministers to a total
daily population of more than 500 inmates, as well as correctional staff and their families. An essential part of his
area ministry has been the addition of over 100 volunteers from local churches, agencies, and organizations; and
WHEREAS,during his tenure as Chaplain, Abernathy recognized the need for innovation in programing
for inmates to develop life skills while in jail to reduce recidivism, and a number of talented individuals provided
the inspiration and knowledge to implement programs unique to Southside Virginia, such as a mobile library for
inmates; Positive Outlook for a New You Speakers Bureau; Creative Writing Class; and the national acclaimed
Second Chance Book Club conducted by Jennifer Williams; and
WHEREAS, Abernathy writes an email devotional, The Chaplain's Corner, conducts staff Bible study,
and serves as a team leader for the Good News Global Chaplain Team that consists of chaplains in Virginia,
Florida, Kentucky, Utah, and California; and
WHEREAS, Abernathy received the Chaplain of the Year Award from the Good News Jail & Prison
Ministry in 1993 and 2005, and he was also a recipient of the Dr. William L. Simmer Award for Excellence in
Ministry from Good News Jail & Prison Ministry in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Abernathy has been an invaluable asset to the County and surrounding community,
providing unwavering support and compassionate guidance to those in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Abernathy
for his 35 years of service to the inmates and correctional staff of the County and surrounding community and the
lasting impact he has made on many individuals and congratulates him on his well-deserved retirement.
Adopted this 18th day of June, 2024.
. Bow hatham- lairs Supervisor)
- i va a County Board o pervisors
•
ell W. Dalton(Chai an)
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors