Charles "Chuck" Abell

LCDR (Ret.) Charles "Chuck" Abell was born in Atlanta, GA, on July 4th, 1966 and graduated from Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX, in 1985. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, beginning a remarkable 30-year career of service to his country.

His first assignment was aboard the USS Cape Cod (AD-43) in San Diego, where he completed two Western Pacific deployments. In 1989, Chuck was selected for conversion to Photographer's Mate and graduated with honors from "A" School in Pensacola, FL. Over the next decade, he served as News Director for Navy Broadcasting Service in Adak, AK; Public Affairs Officer at Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles; Leading Petty Officer for the Intelligence Division aboard the USS Essex (LHD-2), completing two more deployments; and Crew Chief with Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific. In this role, he led missions to the Arabian Gulf, East Timor, and NATO operations and provided documentation support for the Ehime Maru recovery project. In 2000, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

In 2002, Chuck was commissioned as an Ensign through the Navy's Limited Duty Officer program. He went on to serve with Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31), deploying aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in support of Operation Southern Watch and the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later assignments included Fleet Combat Camera Atlantic, where he supported Hurricane Katrina relief, Guantanamo Bay operations, and established the first Imagery Management Office for Multi-National Forces Iraq, processing and releasing over 500 hours of combat imagery. He subsequently transformed the Joint Combat Camera Center into the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center.

In 2010, Chuck was selected as a Presidential Communications Officer at the White House Communications Agency. There, he introduced live internet streaming capabilities, enabling the White House to broadcast globally in real time. His final assignment was with the Chief of Navy Information (CHINFO). After three decades of dedicated service, Chuck retired in 2015 at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following retirement, he continued serving his country through his work with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Beyond his career, Chuck was a passionate and patriotic American whose birth on the Fourth of July seemed fitting for the life he lived. He was a devoted husband and father who found joy in golf, photography, and a variety of music genres. He had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, whether through a story, a laugh, or a helping hand. His warmth, generosity, and ability to relate to anyone left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Chuck was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Chuck was predeceased by his father, James Gerald Abell and stepmother Mary Margaret Abell. He is survived by his wife, Debra Abell; his daughter, Cassandra Reardon, and son-in-law, Derek Reardon; his mother, Angie Abell and mother-in-law, Carol Teall; his brother, Chris Abell; sister-in-law, Monica Tachibana, brother-in-law, Alan Tachibana, and their children Jordan and Taylor; brother-in-law, Buster Spahn; and sister-in-law, Annette Pierro; and mother-in-law, Carol Sue Spahn. Chuck will be remembered for his deep love of family, his loyalty, and his generosity.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 5th, at 1:00 PM for visitation. The celebration of life service will begin at 2:00 PM at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302.

Though flowers are appreciated, please consider donating to the following organizations in memory of Chuck Abell:

• National Veterans Foundation (provides lifelines for vets)

https://nvf.org/veterans-donations/

• SCORE Foundation (provides mentoring and programs for small businesses)

https://scorefoundation.org/donate/

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12024 | Operation Daily Battle

Please earmark the funds for "Operation Daily Battle"

VFW The Woodlands Post 12024

PO Box 8341

The Woodlands, TX 77381

https://www.operationdailybattle.org/donate

Chuck's family appreciates all the love and support during this difficult time.

Interment will be held in 2026 at Arlington National Cemetery.