John Richard
Abner, Jr.
1930-2014
John Richard Abner, Jr. (1930-2014) passed away peacefully on June 1, 2014 at Covenant Hospice of West Florida Hospital after years of declining health following a stroke. He was born to John R. Abner, Sr. and Minnie Becker Abner in Ypsilanti, Michigan on October 22, 1930. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, loving and devoted wife of 62 years Elizabeth Mayers Abner (Bette), sons John R. Abner, III of Denham Springs, LA; Steven R. Abner (Julie Wall) of Birmingham, AL, and daughter Tracy Abner Reed (Alan) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Nathan Mayers Abner of Portland, OR; Sarah Elizabeth Abner-Arsenault of Dothan, AL; Benjamin Nichols Abner, Fairborn, OH; Megan Elizabeth O'Brien, Tampa. FL; Jessica Lauren Abner and Emma Kharis DuCote-Abner of Birmingham, AL; and Drayton Chevis Christopher Reed of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren Bailey and Caleb Abner; and brother David Allen Abner of Atlanta, GA; sister Sondra Abner Hellier of Jacksonville, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.
John graduated from Clearwater High School (Florida) in 1948. He earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and served as a lieutenant in the US Air Force for two years during the Korean War before starting his career in textiles research and design with Chemstrand (later Monsanto). During that time, he also earned a BS in Systems Science, and an MBA from the University of West Florida. He retired after 33 years and he and Bette followed their dream of living on a sailboat for two years. John then started a second career in real estate, eventually serving as Secretary of the Pensacola Board of Realtors.
John enjoyed all sports, particularly golf, as well as fishing, contract bridge, chess, snow skiing, and roller skating. He loved playing the piano and spent many happy hours at the piano at home accompanying anybody who wanted to sing. His warm and positive personality made him a joy to be around.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or TEACCH Autism Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7180, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 Attn: Development Office.
Interment will be private.
National Cremation & Burial Society of Milton has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
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Steve & Family,
Thoughts and Prayers to you at this time.
Jennifer (Brewer) Holman
June 9, 2014
John and Tracy,
I'm sorry to learn about your father's passing. You are in my thoughts.
Lori Schnupp Lanier
June 9, 2014
We are sending positive thoughts to all who loved him. Celebrate his life, his good deeds, warm heart and many accomplishments. I have many happy memories of singing around the piano with all of you. With love, Lisa and Gene
Lisa Thotson
June 7, 2014
Dear Bette,
We were so sorry to hear about John. We have fond memories of all our good times together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mary Ann and Jerry
June 7, 2014
John always welcomed all of us into his home when we were in high school. We were fortunate to have been a part of Tracy's life and get to know her dad so well. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
Kathi Turner Beck
June 5, 2014
Aunt Bette, John,Tracy and Steven,
Always the big smile, that's how Patrick and I will remember Uncle Ab. We are sorry for your loss.
Jennifer and Patrick Fantis
June 5, 2014
May the memory of your loved one be with you and brighten your lives just like the light of this candle.
June 5, 2014
Steve & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joy
Joy Humphreys-Jackson
June 5, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out for your family. May God's peace be with you all.
Allison Noakes
June 5, 2014
Aunt Bette, Johnny, Tracy and Steve,
Thinking of you and remembering such wonderful times spent with you all. May you all the special times with Ab be forever close to your hearts and help you through these difficult times.
Prayers and love, Cindy McAdam Hardy
Cindy Hardy
June 4, 2014
Such fond memories of my childhood with this family. We had some wonderful times singing at the piano that is for sure. My heart and prayers are with you Aunt Bette, Johnny, Tracy and Steven.
Linda McAdam Eberle
June 4, 2014
To the family - May you be comforted by the peace of God during this most challenging time and in the years to come.
June 4, 2014
Nothing can be said to the family that was so dear to us for so many years. Ab was one of a kind. He was gentle, loving, caring and that big smile showed such happiness and fun. The memories will continue to be in our hearts until we meet again. Bette, you are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless you, Johnny, Tracy and Stephen. Love you all.
Tom and Frances McAdam
June 4, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.Please know that we can receive comfort by reading the Bible.
C. Boykins
June 4, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
June 4, 2014
All of us who have had the good fortune to have had John brighten their lives by knowing him are better persons because of his friendship.
My deepest sympathy Is extended to all of his loving family.
Michael O'Brien
June 4, 2014
May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart... My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one.
AD
June 4, 2014
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