Billy J. “Bill” Abernethy, founder and president of vacuum truck-building company Abernethy Welding, Vail, N.C., died Nov. 4. He was 70.
Abernethy started a welding business in 1958 on the farm where he grew up, then started to build vacuum trucks beginning in 1971, according to his grandson, Billy Joe Abernethy. He was active in the business, selling trucks until he was hospitalized a few weeks before his death, the younger Abernethy said.
Abernethy is survived by his wife, Frances Rhoney Abernethy, and their son, Chris Abernethy. Both remain involved in the business, which has 16 employees.
Abernethy enjoyed farming all his life, working on his property. He also was active in his church, Providence Baptist Church, Hickory, N.C. Roy Coffee, who worked for Abernethy for many years and was a friend and neighbor, remembered him as an upstanding businessman and a vacuum truck innovator, producing as many as 200 per year for the liquid waste industry. He concentrated on building trucks with steel tanks, and built rigs with tanks from 100 to 5,000 and 6,000 gallons, Coffee said.
“If Bill told you something, you could take it to the bank,’’ Coffee said. “He was an honest and hardworking man. He loved the business, the industry and his customers. He was very dedicated to the industry.’’
Abernethy was naturally outgoing and had a great sense of humor, Coffee said, and especially looked forward to visiting industry friends at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International every year. He also valued his employees, according to Coffee.
“He considered the people he worked with to be a part of his family. He took very good care of his employees,’’ Coffee said.
The company will continue building trucks. Customers with questions can call either Billy Joe Abernethy or Daniel Weaver at 800/545-0324. The company’s Web site is www.abernethywelding.com.
A funeral service for Abernethy was held Nov. 7 at Providence Baptist Church. Memorials are being directed to the church.
