To everything there is a season and time to every purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Rufus Rucker Abernathy was born April 21, 1921, son of Gertrude Abernathy Calhoun and Adam Rucker in Nuyaka, OK where he received his early school training.

He graduated from Junior High School at Pleasant Grove School, Nuyaka, OK and then went to Dunbar High School in Okmulgee, OK where he was a Junior. After that he attended Douglas High School when he was drafted in to armed forces in 1942.

His Navy training was at Great Lakes, IL. He spent three years and 9 months in the U.S. Navy. Serving in Honolulu, Hawaii and Japan.

He attended Langston University for two years but left during the Korean conflict. He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving his country until the war ended.

He received specialize classes in accounting at Osoca University in 1952.

His military service with the Army and Navy ended in l965. It was then he returned to Okmulgee to become a farmer. And was instrumental in obtaining rural water to Nuyaka, Morris and Beggs area. He also aided in the clean-up of Nuyaka Cemetery where his deceased parents now rest.

Rufus was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for a number of years until it closed. He was baptized by Rev. Jack Thomas and served as an acting deacon.

Rufus later, united with the First Baptist Central, Okmulgee, OK under the pastorage of Rev. P.W. Jackson Sr. and has served faithfully as a deacon.

He leaves to celebrate his home going, three great –nieces, Edna Charisse Redo, LaTasha Brown, Tia Redo., two great nephews, Tommy Brown, Tyris Redo, along with a host of great-great nieces and nephews, relatives and his church family at First Baptist Central.

A Home Going Celebration is scheduled, Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., in First Baptist Church Central, 521 N. Central St. Okmulgee, OK with interment to follow in Nuyaka cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home.