HENRY T. ABBOTT JR.
March 23, 1937-Nov. 24, 2012
LAGRANGE -- Henry Tull Abbott Jr., 75, of LaGrange, received his heavenly reward on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.
A service to celebrate Henry's life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at 6 p.m. at Community Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeremy Varner, the Rev. Dean Hightower and the Rev. Fred Clifford officiating. Interment will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, LaGrange. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:8 & 10.
Henry was born March 23, 1937, in Lenoir County to the late Henry Tull Abbott Sr. and Olga Graham Abbott. Following his high school graduation, Henry attended North Carolina State University for one year and returned home to work as a poultry and dairy farmer. Henry later worked 15 years as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Henry had a passionate love for his Lord and utilized every opportunity to serve Him. He was a charter member of Community Baptist Church and has served in all areas. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, worked with the young people and served as director of missions. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24.
Henry and his wife, Jean led a Thursday Night Bible Study for many years. He enjoyed going on mission trips where he utilized skills learned on the farm and in life to serve others and spread the message of Jesus. Henry was a member of Gideons International, LaGrange Camp. He served many years on the LaGrange Planning Board and enjoyed being part of the Ken's Grill Early Morning Breakfast Club. Henry was an avid reader and enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed bicycling, canoeing and was seen most days with his wife, Jean, walking the sidewalks of LaGrange.
Henry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Aldridge Abbott; two children, Cindy Freeman and husband, Matt, of LaGrange, Michael Henry Abbott and wife, Donna, of LaGrange; eight grandchildren, David Sager and wife, Lora, Daniel Sager, Janna Sager, Jared Sager, Jacob Sager, Lauren Freeman, Michelle Abbott and fiancé, Jay Pavlik, and Rachel Abbott; four great-grandchildren, Isaac Sager, Elissa Sager, Elijah Abbott and Emma Pavlik.
The family will receive friends Wednesday following the service and at other times they will be at the home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, LaGrange Camp, P.O. Box 481, LaGrange, N.C. 28551 or The Wilds Christian Association, P.O. Box 509, Taylors, S.C. 29687. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, LaGrange.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 27, 2012 1:49 PM