Brian Gary Abell

Few can say they have left an everlasting mark on every person they knew, or that they made the world a brighter, more interesting place to be. But Brian Abell can-and he did it with heartfelt integrity.
Brian Gary Abell was born in Louisville, Kentucky to the surprise and delight of his loving parents, Kathy and Joe, and his older siblings, Joey and Penny.
Those who knew Brian would say he was unapologetically unique, dedicated to living life on his own terms, and determined to accomplish anything he set his mind to achieve. Above all though, Brian is remembered for his unconditional love and dedication to his family. He is survived by: his beloved mother, Kathy; his cherished sister, Penny (Rich); and the nephews who illuminated his world, Tyler and Cole. Brian also lived in honor and eternal, loving memory of the family members he is joined with in Heaven: His late father, Joe, and his late brother, Joey, both of whom shaped him into the man he was and will always be, and his grandparents. He is survived by a host of family members, including his aunt, Diane Thorpe, his cousins, Marty Thorpe (Kirstie), Stephanie Toll (Ryan), Ricky Toll, Reece Toll, Alex Thorpe (Amanda), and Matthew Thorpe. He is also survived by many other family members, including an aunt, Debbie Hawkins (Randy), an uncle, Scott Harvey (Debbie), cousins, Tricia Hawkins and Matt Hawkins, Godparents, Elaine and Mickey Jarboe, cousins, Karen Hulsmeyer (Jimmy), and Sharon Davis (Gary), and other cousins and family members too numerous to name.
Growing up in the Buechel area, Brian attended Saint Xavier High School, from which he graduated in 2004. He then moved to Bowling Green to study political science and English at Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 2008. After working for a hospital for two years, Brian set out to earn his Juris Doctor (JD) degree-a pursuit, which given his lifelong propensity for winning arguments, was likely always in his destiny.
In 2013, Brian graduated from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. After passing the Kentucky bar exam, he immediately jumped into private practice, fighting to protect the rights of his clients who were victims of employment discrimination and civil rights violations. This experience led Brian to start his own private practice, Abell Attorneys, in 2017. Founded with the goal of protecting individuals from discrimination and unfair treatment, Brian took deep pride in his work as a lawyer and advocate for people in need. Brian volunteered for the Legal Aid Society, which recognized him recently for his dedication and representation in eviction cases.
Brian was also committed to living life to the fullest. From hiking trails, running half marathons, and traveling with his cousin, Scott Abell, to beating his brother-from-another-mother, Michael Harris, in golf relentlessly, Brian loved outdoor adventure. He also loved being up in the game against his other brother-from-another-mother, Chad McNutt, collecting rare and precious bourbon. Brian found joy in the little things-Brian adored his nephews, showered them with gifts, attended their sporting events, and spent quality time with them on the golf course to their delight. He had many good friends, including close friend, Zac Meihaus, with whom he shared so many good times, beginning with their days at St X to becoming trusted colleagues in the practice of law.
Brian created a lifetime of memories that will continue to touch all who were fortunate enough to be a part of his journey.
In the tapestry of life, Brian Abell's thread was woven with love. His light will continue to shine in our hearts and memories, reminding us to cherish the moments we have with those we love.
Rest in peace, Brian. You will be deeply missed, and you will continue to bring joy to our lives through your memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor.