Don Abbott

BRIDGEPORT Grady Don Abbott, 81 a lifelong resident of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, July 31, 2012, after a lengthy illness surrounded by his loving family.Don was the son of the late Joseph and Katie Marie Johnson Abbott born on July 17, 1931 in Bridgeport. Don was a Bridgeport High School graduate class of 1950. He was a retired engineer with TVA having worked at Widows Creek for 35 years. He also was a retired Warrant Officer 3rd Class having served in the military (Air Force and Army National Guard) for 35 years and member of the local VFW. For many years, he was a devoted Scout Master for Troop 65, a former Bridgeport City Commissioner and Police Commissioner. Don was a devoted member and Pastor of Abbott Chapel Church and was loved by everyone. He enjoyed his church, his Summerhouse Mountain, family, grandkids, friends and scouting.Besides his parents, Mr. Abbott was preceded in death by his son, Kiley D. Abbott; siblings, Lorene Steele, JoAlma Paris, Willie Mae Howard, Dorothy Stewart, Ralph Abbott, Nathaniel Abbott and Richard Abbott.Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley Ann Nelson Abbott; sons, Kevin (Marcy) Abbott, Kerry (Holli) Abbott, daughter, Kim (Barry) Myers; grandchildren, Hannah Abbott, Benjamin Myers, Kade Abbott, Aleah Abbott; stepgrandchildren, Josh (Jodi) Myers, T.R. Taylor, Robbie Taylor, Ashley Taylor; stepgreat-grandchildren, Sarah Myers, Emmah Myers, Thomas Maxwell, Gavyn Taylor, Dylan Taylor, Jasimn Taylor, Amelia Taylor; sisters, Berneda Hill, Nora (Charles) Williams, June Gibson, Alberta (Joe) Reeves; sister-in-law, Carolyn Abbott; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. CDT today, Aug. 2, at Rudder Funeral Home chapel officiated by Brother Josh Myers and Brother Brian Guess.Interment willl be in Abbott Chapel Cemetery.Pallbearers are Ricky Abbott, David Abbott, Barry Phillips, Nathan Kennedy, John Meeks, Jeff Mount and Jo John McCraw.