Robert Louis Abel

Robert Louis “Abe” Abel was born on December 2, 1939 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and left this earthly life on December 31, 2020. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ferrell Leon Abel and Cecelia Loftus Abel.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda Diann Abel (née Kendrick), and his children Jennifer (Glenn) Walley, Jeffrey (Carla) Abel, and Joy Davis. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Justin Walley, Claiborne Davis, Lizzy Davis, Camille Davis, Nathan Abel, Hayden Abel, and Meredith Abel, a sister Brynda (David) Moore and a brother, Nick Abel, and a host of nephews and nieces. He also had two lifelong friends and traveling work companions, the late Larry Grimes and Wayne Massey. 

Abe graduated from Ellisville High School in Mississippi in 1957, where he played as a running back for the football team. He went on to join the Army in 1961, where he became a member of the elite group of warriors known as the 82nd Airborne. He loved being a paratrooper and proudly serving his country. After his service in the Army, Abe trained to be an electrician, and became a member of Local Union IBEW #903, where he worked for 44 years. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1965, and started raising his family.

Abe became an avid runner while working in New York, and competed in various 10 K races throughout the country. While working in Arizona, he took up rock climbing, and in his later years enjoyed cycling around Pascagoula. He was an amateur astronomer, and taught every kid in the neighborhood about the stars and planets while looking through his telescope. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, and boxing on the speed bag. But most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren, and watching them in band, cheer and soccer. 

Abe was always the life of the party, and loved making people laugh. He was a hard worker, a dedicated father and PawPaw, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He was a shining example of how an ordinary man can live an extraordinary life.

There will be a Visitation on Saturday, January 9th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at O’Bryant O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula, MS with a memorial service to follow. 
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association. They would also like to thank the staff of Ocean Springs Health and Nursing Rehab, especially Terra, Nicole, Paige and Sam.

Due to concerns of COVID-19, masks will need to be worn and social distancing necessary.  For those not able to attend, his memorial service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page.  
 

You may send condolences to his family or share a memory of him on the Tribute Wall on this page - website   

TO WATCH HIS FUNERAL SERVICE, LOOK FOR THE COLOR BOX ABOVE THE VIDEO -----THAT HAS THESE WORDS "PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE."

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