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John “Johnny” Lawrence Abrams, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 7:06 p.m. at O’Neill Healthcare in North Olmsted, Ohio, after a long and courageous battle with COPD.
Johnny was born on March 12, 1954, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to Alice Ray (née Bentz) and Johnnie Abrams. In his early years, he lived in Sharon before moving with his family to Hamilton, Ohio; Warren, Ohio; and eventually Elyria, Ohio, where he became a lifelong resident. He attended Elyria City Schools and built his life in the community he proudly called home.
On October 14, 1982, Johnny married the love of his life, Cindy Louise Ruble. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion, sharing 44 wonderful years of marriage. Cindy stood faithfully by his side, especially through his illness, serving as his devoted wife and the best caretaker he could have ever asked for.
Johnny was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Melissa Abrams (James Welsh) of Avon Lake, Ohio, and his son, John Ray Abrams of Elyria, Ohio. He was an adoring Papa to his cherished granddaughters, Mikaylah (John) Rutter of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Miah Wycoco of Avon Lake, Ohio. His granddaughters brought him immeasurable joy, and he was endlessly proud of them. “Papa loved you both so much.”
Over the years, Johnny worked in various industries throughout Elyria before finding his calling as an over-the-road truck driver. The open road brought him freedom, peace, and stories he loved to share. It also gave him the chance to visit friends and family along the way. Later, he joined ARNCO Corporation in Elyria, which allowed him to spend more time at home with his family.
Johnny found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: working on home projects, enjoying time with family, riding one of his many Harley Davidson’s, and relaxing with a Miller High Life, often sharing the moment with his beloved dog, Bella. Bella was his shadow, faithful companion, and little guardian, rarely leaving his side.
In 2016, Johnny was diagnosed with COPD. He faced his long, hard-fought battle with quiet strength and grace, never one to complain and always thinking of others. Even in his final days, he would say he had lived a good life and he truly had.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy; his children and grandchildren; his loving sisters, Cynthia Ray Abrams Verda of Savannah, Georgia, and Pam Gayheart (Brenda “BJ” Honeycutt) of New Bern, North Carolina.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Ray Bentz Abrams and Johnnie Abrams, and his brother-in-law, Bruce Michael Verda.
Services to be announced at a later date.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Andras Crematory & Funeral Home, Lorain.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3900 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH 44002

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