William J Abramowitz

William J. "Bill" Abramowitz, 88, of Cantonment Florida, passed away on October 13, 2024 after a lengthy battle with kidney disease and congestive heart failure.
Bill was born on June 26, 1936, to Benjamin and Saadee in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Saadie and his first wife, Hope. He is survived by his brothers, James and Michael; second wife, Marie; Son, Christopher (Allison) Abramowitz; granddaughter, Alexa Rae (Reece) Kelly; grandson, Brendan Abramowitz; daughter Cathy Gale Abramowitz, daughter Gwen Norris; grandsons, Kevin, Jeff (not Chuck) and Brandan Norris; daughter Debbie Peterson; grandsons, Michael and joseph Peterson; granddaughter, Carlee Kendrick; fifteen great grandchildren and two on the way.
Bill proudly served in the United States Navy as a Yeoman for 22 years. His last tour before retiring in 1978 was aboard the USS Lexington, serving as the Chaplain's assistant and the ship's librarian. Bill took Culinary Arts and Upholstery classes at George Stone Vocational School before eventually providing for his family as a shoe salesman at J.C. Penney in University Mall, and as a "Scotty's Helper" at Scotty's Hardware on Mobile Highway. He enjoyed interacting with people and always strived to deliver more than was expected. The organizational skills and attention to detail Bill acquired during his "Navy training" (a favorite quote of his) ultimately made him a perfect fit as a Property Accountant for the Escambia County School Board for 17 years.
In 1966, Bill met his first wife, Hope, while driving through a neighborhood in San Diego. They married in December of that same year and remained so until her death in February of 2000. Along the way, they together raised a son, Christopher Grey, and a daughter, Cathy Gale.
During 2001, while attending Cornerstone Baptist Church, Bill met then proposed to Marie Chandler after singing Charley Pride's "Jesus, Don't Give Up On Me" during the service. They married on September 18, one week after the attacks on America. As a member, Bill served Cornerstone as a Yokefellow and Usher, and together with Marie faithfully worshipped and served by running the kitchen, stocking the soda machines, and helping with building and landscaping maintenance. Whenever the doors were open, Bill and Marie were there, fellowshipping with Pastor Bobby Smith, Frank and Marsha Fay, Sharon and Gene Mills, Sandy and Reagan McDaniel, and Janet and Larry Wilson.
Bill's greatest pleasures were often simple ones:
Worship and Serving. Bill was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church. Before that, as already noted, a very active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Witnessing. Bill was always ready and willing to share his testimony (in great detail) wherever he was with whomever he met.
Fellowship. Bill often enjoyed recreational outings, dining, and get-togethers with his Christian brothers and sisters already mentioned, as well as the "Over the Hill Gang" consisting of Ken Godwin, Jack and Sue Porter, Joyce Williams, Viola Slankard, Mary and Buddy Padgett, and of course his wife, Marie.
Networking. Bill loved people. All people. He'd strike up a conversation, tell a joke or a funny story to the people working in his neighborhood. Thank you to those whom he befriended at the Cantonment Publix, Walgreens, and Regions Bank.
Giving. Bill well understood Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And he took great pleasure in giving. The man was absolutely not sentimental about anything. He constantly sought ways to donate items to his favorite charity, the Pine Forest Assembly of God Thrift Store. Thank you especially to the ladies who work there who prayed faithfully and fervently for him during his time of illness.
Cooking. Morning was undoubtedly Bill's favorite time of the day. He loved preparing and serving personally designed breakfast sandwiches for his family using combinations of eggs, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, sliced ham or roast beef (sometimes both), sausage, pancakes, bread, rolls, toast, or English muffins. They were always magnificently delicious.
Corresponding. We are convinced Bill single-handedly supported his local Post Office buying stamps and sending hand-written personal letters. He delighted in sharing the weather report, BOGO deals at Publix, his blood pressure and pulse, odd world events, and encouragement that the Lord is coming soon with loved ones, politicians (up to and including Presidents), media network personalities, major corporations, and local businesses. Among his last batch of letters Bill offered personal grooming advice to Mobile Attorney Andy Citrin after watching one of his commercials!
Creating. Not really a hobbyist, Bill expressed his creativity in unusual ways. Frequently his homemade stationary was decorated with cartoons or pictures clipped from newspapers or magazines, but with his own captions. He also delighted in drawing "Kilroy was Here" cartoons on restaurant napkins and paper placemats wherever he dined. Bill would pick up interesting rocks, glue google eyes on them, then give them away. Using worn out denim from jeans, Bill would cut and sew change pouches and give them away too. He made "Exercise Blocks" from odd pieces of 2x4s, Pistachio shell pirogues with toothpick oars, and decoupaged Marlboro cowboy ads onto hand-stained wooden planks.
Entertaining (himself). Bill took great joy pranking phone solicitors with fake voices and personalities with nonsensical responses. While hospitalized for a hernia operation, Bill answered the phone pretending to be a starving child. That prank garnered him a Psych evaluation!
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Saadee Abramowitz, and his first wife, Hope. He is survived by his second wife Marie, his son Chris (Allison) Abramowitz, his granddaughter Alexa (Reece) Kelley, his great-granddaughter Avonlea Kelley, his grandson Brendan Abramowitz, his daughters Cathy Abramowitz, Gwen Norris, and Debbie Peterson, grandsons Kevin, Brandon, and Jeff Norris, Michael and Joseph Peterson, and granddaughter Carlee Kendrick.
Honorary Pallbearers are Brendan Abramowitz, Kevin Norris, Jeff Norris, Brandon Norris, Michael Peterson, Joseph Peterson, Carlee Kendrick, and Alexa Rae Kelley.
Special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice Care worker, Evelyn. Dad looked forward to your care and fellowship. Also social worker Mandy Feliciano who listened and helped coach us during this transitional time.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens from 11:30 to 12:30. Funeral service starts at 12:30. Committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
To all whom would call Bill friend, we know he had the Assurance of Eternal Life. So please, rejoice for him here on Earth and as you are going, point others to Christ until it's your turn.
Amen!