William Richard "Ab" Abernathy (November 28, 1905 – April 24, 1977) was an American college football player. Abernathy was from Blue Creek, near Pulaski, Tennessee.
He was a prominent tackle and end for Dan McGugin's Vanderbilt Commodores of Vanderbilt University from 1927 to 1929.
In 1928, Abernathy began the season with two touchdown catches against Chattanooga in a 20âÂÂ0 win. He also caught a 38âÂÂyard touchdown pass that helped Vanderbilt defeat Colgate 12âÂÂ7. In Dallas, Abernathy blocked a punt that was recovered in the end zone. The resulting touchdown gave the Commodores' a 13âÂÂ12 win over Texas. At year's end he was selected All-American.
Abernathy advertised Redpath Chautauqua.