Billy Joe Abbott Sr.

Billy Joe Abbott Sr. 81, of Wellington, passed away at 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

Bill was born on August 24, 1936, in Frankfort, Indiana, the son of Lewis Franklin and Ruby Mae (Greeno) Abbott.

He is survived by his wife- Marla (Miller) Abbott: his children- Billy J. (Ivette) Abbott Jr., Barbara (Gordon) Gravunder, Carol (Mike) Smallwood and Jack Abbott; step-children- John Dicken, Margaret Tiffin Birge, Charles (Dot) Tiffin and Troy Tiffin; siblings- Joyce (Bob) Gavin, Linda Gordon, Paul Warren, Patty Christenson and Dennis Warren; 19 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother- Larry Abbott.

Bill attended Frankfort High School, in Frankfort, Indiana.  He served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees from 1956-1959 and then served in the United States Army from 1965-1967, where he served his country proudly in Vietnam.  Bill retired in 1993 from General Motors Foundry, in Tilton.  Bill was a member of the Newport, Indiana American Legion and the Northfork Conservation Club.  He enjoyed fishing, camping and watching sports, especially NASCAR.  He was a diehard Chicago Cubs Chicago Bears and Dale Earnhardt fan. 

A Celebration of Billy J. Abbott’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the VA Protestant Chapel, 1900 E. Main Street, Danville.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.  He will be laid to rest in Danville National Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Danville American Legion.  Memorials may be made to the VA Illiana Healthcare System.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home in Hoopeston to assist them in honoring Mr. Abbott’s life.  Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.blurtonfuberalhomes.com.

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