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Richard Abel Obituary
Dick believed in and received the atoning gift of Christ through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while coaching football at the Air Force Academy. He served our nation in the Air Force for 30 years. His achievements include being a jet instructor pilot who led an Air Force acrobatic team before entering the very first astronaut class. He escorted the first group of POWs from Vietnam as well as the last, and three others in between. He finished his career as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and finally as Director of Public Affairs for the Air Force.
In "retirement," Dick continued to serve in the areas he loved; Christ, athletics, and service men and women. He served on the US Olympic Committee, then became President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and finally served as Executive Director of Military Ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ.
Dick later founded Leadership Is All About People, led many leadership seminars, and wrote 4 books on leadership and family.
His pride & joy are his beloved wife, Ann, of 65 years, his 4 children, 19 grandchildren, and 8 greats! He loved and was loved by too many to mention here. Above all, he loved Jesus.
We salute you General Abel and look forward to seeing you again when we too fly away to Heaven.
A celebration of life service will be held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton, Virginia on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Donations may be made in honor of Dick Abel to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Military Ministry of Cru. Written tributes may be submitted via www.wjsmithandson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Abel
Sponsored by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home - Newport News.
Monty Gavin
August 29, 2025
A special man!
Monty Gavin
August 29, 2025
Great man!
Monty Gavin
August 29, 2023
A wonderful man!
Amanda Insley
September 8, 2022
This man was kind, funny and always had a lesson in every word. The world is a better place because of him! I hope his family finds peace in knowing he was extraordinary.
Monty Gavin
September 7, 2022
Thank God for this special man!
Buddy Spencer
September 7, 2022
I and all the associates of Mid-Atlantic Commercial are very sadden by Dick's passing. We all thought he was an incredible person who made life more meaningful for all who came into contact with him. We feel very grateful that we had the opportunity to call Dick a very good friend. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Buddy Spencer
Terry Young
September 6, 2022
Mrs Abel,
Peg and I send our appreciation for the impact Gen Abel made on so many people. You two were a great team, and together you raised a wonderful family, led national and global organizations, and effectively ministered to individuals and families for many decades. Thank you both, and God bless you Gen Abel for his faithful leadership.
Respectfully
Terry Young
Colonel, USAF, (Retired)
USAFA 1975
Janice Rosser Allen
September 6, 2022
On behalf of everyone at ICM who loved Gen. Abel, we extend our condolences, prayers and support.
I know he is rejoicing with my mother and father in heaven!
Blessings, Janice Rosser Allen
Ike and Deanna Newinghan
September 5, 2022
Deanna and I were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was extremely influential in my life and ministry. I read the book Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking. Dick was that kind of a thinker. If he saw a need, he rose to the occasion. And because of his wisdom and energy people followed. Thousands of lives were touched and changed because he was faithful to the visions God gave him. In my life, Dick was my personal cheerleader. I would tell him about an idea, maybe even a goal I aspired to reach and he took the time to help me develop a plan to reach that goal. Only God knows the number of lives he touched and encouraged. I miss him so much, but when I get to heaven we will have a blessed reunion. Ike and Deanna
James Sahli
September 5, 2022
thank you General Abel for everything you did for the PAO career field. Rest well, Sir.
John and Dennice Redliger
September 5, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
G
September 4, 2022
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
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