David passed on Friday after a lengthy illness. Per his wife he "was tired and wanted them to let him go." It's getting harder and harder to accept that we're not 10' tall and bullet proof any more.

David was a kicker for the Apps in the mid-70s. He along with Joe Parker and Gary Davis gave us a formidable kicking trio. Joe's punting, Gary's PAT and FG kicking, and David's kick offs. He inherited the PAT/FG duties after Gary graduated. He was also one of the last square toed shoe straight ahead kickers. Coach Brakefield would get ticked off because David would split the pipes during kick off return practice, and he'd back him up to the 30 so the return men could get a ball.

I remember David. He could boom it. I did not know that he was ill. Peace to all.

Remember him well. Looked forward to seeing him kick every game. Thanks for posting this scatman.

scatman77 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:12 am

David passed on Friday after a lengthy illness. Per his wife he "was tired and wanted them to let him go." It's getting harder and harder to accept that we're not 10' tall and bullet proof any more.

David was a kicker for the Apps in the mid-70s. He along with Joe Parker and Gary Davis gave us a formidable kicking trio. Joe's punting, Gary's PAT and FG kicking, and David's kick offs. He inherited the PAT/FG duties after Gary graduated. He was also one of the last square toed shoe straight ahead kickers. Coach Brakefield would get ticked off because David would split the pipes during kick off return practice, and he'd back him up to the 30 so the return men could get a ball.

So sorry to learn of David's death. I remember him and those booming kicks that finally fell out of the sky after narrowly missing entry into earth's orbit. David was a good guy from a fine, fine family. Gone waaaay too young. God's Peace for the entire
Abernathy family.

For those who enjoy little bits of Mountaineer sports history, David was the son of App sports Hall of Fame inductee known to his friends and family as "Big Dave." He was inducted into the "Hall" in the "Class of '84." Big Dave's sport at App was......... basketball.

David W. Abernathy Basketball 1954-57 Sept. 22, 1984
Sam Adams Golf 1964-68 Sept. 22, 1984
Marjorie Crisp Basketball 1930-34 Sept. 22, 1984
Carl H. Rudisill Football/Basketball/Baseball/Wrestling 1932-36 Sept. 22, 1984
Greg Van Orden Football & Wrestling 1960-63 Sept. 22, 1984