The Rev. Abernethy was inspiring teacher, pastor

It's his music his family will remember best. The Rev. Rufus S. Abernethy Jr. had a voice "like rolling thunder," and could play anything he heard on the piano.

"(Music) is what brought us together," said his wife, Agnes Abernethy. "He was very, very talented."

A south county music teacher for almost 30 years and a pastor for decades, the Rev. Abernethy died Monday at Baltimore Washington Medical Center after struggling for years with diabetes. He was 77.

"He's a diabetic, and that brings on complications," Mrs. Abernethy said. "He didn't like therapy - you know...