Ernest Emmett ABBOTT Jr.

1939 - 2017

ABBOTT, Ernest Emmett, Jr. 7/19/1939 - 6/12/2017 Our Heavenly Father welcomed home Ernest Abbott Jr., age 77, who passed away at home in Oro Valley, AZ on June 12, 2017 from complications of Parkinson's. Son of Ernest and Mary Sue Abbott. Born in Ft. Worth, TX. Moved to AZ in 1961 while stationed at Ft. Huachuca. Survived by his loving wife, Diane of 44 years; sisters, Carolyn and Cindy; daughter, Kelley Lynn Sparrow (Brady) and son, Robert; granddaughters, Andee, Sydney, Courtney and Shelby; three great- grandchildren, Tinslee, Dean and Desirea. He was loved and adored by his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all he came in contact with. Ernie loved his 32 year law enforcement career. He spent 20 years with the Tucson Police and was awarded Rookie of the Year (1966) and Officer of the Year (1973). During his time at TPD he had many different assignments, of all his assignments becoming a motorcycle officer was his greatest accomplishment. After retiring from TPD he and Diane moved to San Carlos, Mexico, where he worked with Rotary and training SC police. They returned to Tucson and he went to Oro Valley Police for another ten years. In his time there he enjoyed being a motorcycle officer again and he trained many future OV police officers. Ernie was a longtime member of the F.O.P and was dedicated to serving his community and took pride in being a police officer. Ernie and Diane traveled for 12 years in their motorhome. Their favorite places were OR, and ID, where he learned woodcarving. Ernie became Pres of the Gem and Mineral Club in Quartzite and while in Quartzsite graduated from the AZ Supreme Court Judicial Academy as a Judge in 2008 hoping to perform a marriage ceremony for one of his granddaughters. Ernie was a member of Kiwanis Club of the Desert, devoting his time to fundraising for charities for kids. He will be remembered as a caring, loving and devoted husband, and a positive joyful friend to all. His stories, jokes, UofA, treasure hunts and hiking with the kids were highlights in his life. He lived a full life and enjoyed fishing, camping, white water rafting, carving ducks, poker, racquetball, tennis, boating, hiking, rock polishing, handmade knives and bringing joy to other people. Services to be held at NW Bible Church, 889 W. Chapala, Monday, July 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to PMD Alliance.org or NW Bible Church. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.