Thomas "Tom" Abell

Thomas "Tom" Abell, 95, of Morehead City, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Crystal Bluffs.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 Friday, April 17, 2015 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park.

He was born and raised to the late Owen Augustus Abell and Mattie Lou Balentine Abell in Columbia, SC. He attended University of South Carolina and played football. He played for South Carolina in the 1939 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. He was a surveyor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for over 45 years. He was involved with the Morehead City Little League from the late 50's to the early 70's along with midget football, also Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and he received many Scout awards. He was a brother of Freemasonry for over 70 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Morehead City and served as a Sunday School Teacher.

He is survived by four sons, Gary Abell of Morehead City, Dennis Abell of Nashville, Timothy Abell of Morehead City, and Richard Abell and wife Ralphen of Morehead City; five granddaughters, Amanda Kay Abell, Olivia Taylor Abell, Carey Baillargeon, Amber Abell Rochelle and husband Keith, and Dana Abell Jernigan and husband Daniel; seven great-grandchildren, Porter Watson, Carson Rochelle, Carter Rochelle, Pier Rochelle, Conner Baker, Ayden Baker,and Kennedy Rae Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olivia Walker Abell, and son, William "Bill" Abell, and two brothers and two sisters.

The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565.