Celebration of life service for Rev. Ralph David Abernathy III

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A celebration of life service is taking place Friday for Civil Rights icon, and former state Senator, Ralph David Abernathy III, who died after a long battle with liver cancer. 

Abernathy had been battling cancer for the past three years.

Abernathy's father, Ralph David Abernathy, famously worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Abernathy III encouraged young people to continue fighting for social and racial equality. Friends and supporters of Abernathy gathered last month at Lindsay Street Baptist Church in Atlanta to help raise money for his family’s mounting medical bills and pray for healing.

The 56-year-old had served in the state house and senate and later became a minister. In the early 2000's, he served time in prison after being convicted of theft, forgery and other charges.

A visitation was held on Thursday evening at the Historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta. Friday's service is being held at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. 

Abernathy is survived by his wife and three children. If you would like to contribute, go to gofundme.com/friendsofrda