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Elliot Abel Obituary

Elliot D. Abel

Memphis, TN

Elliot D. Abel, founder and owner of Tobacco Corner Ltd. and affectionately known as the Tobacconist of the Mid-South, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017, in his adopted hometown of Memphis, TN, from complications associated with Dementia.

Elliot was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the only son of Ivy and Maurice Abel. He served a year in the United States Army prior to beginning his employment as a traveling salesman in the women's apparel industry. In 1969 Elliot listened to his wife Sandra, followed his passion, and settled into a new career when he opened the original Tobacco Corner Ltd. on Highland Ave., thus turning his pipe smoking hobby into a Memphis institution. Tobacco Corner offered the first walk-in cigar humidor in Memphis and quickly became a popular hangout for pipe and cigar smokers. Through the years, he expanded to 4 stores; today, one location remains at the corner of Poplar and Mendenhall.

He was a proud supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, the Special Olympics and University of Memphis Tiger Athletics.

Elliot was preceded in death by his eldest son, Mitchell David. He is survived by Sandra (Lehman), his wife of 53 years; 3 children, Jeff (Laurie) of Memphis, TN, Brad (Lauren) of St. Louis, MO and Jennifer Abel Ferguson (Randy) of Nashville, TN; and his 4 grandchildren, Makale, Alexa, Charlotte and Levi.

Funeral services will be today, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at Anshei Sphard Cemetery.



Published by The Commercial Appeal on Feb. 2, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Elliot Abel

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Not sure what to say?





He was a longtime friend of my dad’s, and attended his funeral. He was so comforting and kind. I’m sorry to read of his struggles, and your family’s loss.

Brenda

July 26, 2020

Sandra, thinking of you at this time

Carole Young

Friend

January 27, 2020

Hope you are doing ok Sandra. Thinking about you

Carole Young

January 27, 2019

My father loved his pipes and would drive from Pontotoc Ms. regularly with me tow, to buy pipes and tobacco from Eliot. I had opportunity to stop in from time to time in later years, the aroma of the shop always reminded me of the times I spent with my dad on those drives from Ms. Both my father and myself had a great deal of affection for Mr. Able, Though it's been awhile I'm very sorry to hear of his passing

Bill Floyd

November 25, 2018

I am an irregular customer of Tobacco Corner. They have helped me along the years in my pipe-hobby and have been extremely good people to deal with. Elliot was always in and out of the shop when I was around, so I didn't get to know him as well as some of the other guys; but he was a nice guy. Im sorry for the loss, but grateful for the contributions he made and impacted on peoples lives, lots of memories and deals have been made around the table, and thats all because of Elliot.

N

May 16, 2017

I knew Elliot most of my life. He knew me as a customer and always remembered my name. He was a gentle and kind man. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by many.

April 14, 2017

A great businessperson who helped new-to-the City sales folks learn the Memphis market.
My condolences to the family.
PAF

February 2, 2017

JjOffering my deepest sympathy for your 7. May God bless and comfort you during this time of great grief. Psalm 116 : 15

Ls

February 2, 2017

Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss.

Cheryl Simon

February 2, 2017

So sorry to hear about Elliot. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Wish I could be there with you. I no longer live in memphis I am in Knoxville. Take care. Carole Young.

Carole Young

February 2, 2017

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Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Anshei Sphard Cemetery

TN

Funeral services provided by:

Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis

2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112

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