The Reverend David Abernathy was honored through a resolution approved by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors at its June 18 business meeting.

Abernathy has served 35 years as chaplain with Good News Global and is retiring this summer.  Abernathy and his wife, Liz, are Danville natives and were married in 1976. They actively led music and youth programs in area churches, and he spent 10 years in the retail new car business prior to becoming a missionary.

Before joining Good News in 1989, Abernathy was a volunteer in the Pittsylvania County and Danville jails and served two years on the Good News Advisory Board.

Abernathy was affectionately known as “The Rev” when in the jail and ministered to a daily population of more than 500 inmates, as well as correctional staff and their families. His ministry included the addition of more than 100 volunteers from local churches, agencies and organizations.

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 several 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.

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.

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.

Abernathy has been an invaluable asset to the County and surrounding community, providing unwavering support and compassionate guidance to those in need.