Bill Abbott

Today Bill Abbott won his battle. After a prolonged conflict against a failing body and much pain, his battle ended and he is now at rest with the Lord. On Mar. 19, 2006, W. D. "Bill" Abbott along with the many that went before is at ease in the presence of the Lord. Having retired from the Marines, his love for God and Country were unquestionable, as was his love for his wife of 23 years, JoAnn Abbott. Bill did not make friends easy, but once he considered a person his friend, that person would be a trusted friend for life. He loved recalling stories of the years he spent in the Marines, serving his country. Bill had the honor of training many young men for the Marines and was known internationally for his expertise in weapons and served on four U.S. Olympic Shooting teams. He accumulated many medals and trophies for his marksmanship. Bill had opportunity to work with Roy Rogers as they traveled to open new gun clubs. He represented the Marines and showcased his skills in skeet and trap. Bill had the honor of knowing General Paul Tibbits, who's mother was Enola Gay, the same name of the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. William Dean Abbott found a lifelong friend in his partner of many years, John Hogan. He had been a Certified Peace Officer for the State of Texas, was a Deputy Game Warden, a Deputy Sheriff for Cherokee County, a Deputy Constable for Smith County, and a Special Deputy U.S. Marshall and served Judge Robert M. Parker until his retirement. He always championed law and order, honesty and was a friend to a man or child in need. There are many mentions and stories in books and other print about Bill Abbott, most recently featured in "Death From Afar" by Chandler and Chandler. He tried to pen his experiences "in Country", but the memories were too difficult to express and weighed heavy on his heart. He did like to speak about his experiences in Vietnam and Korea. He served under Chesty Puller in Korea and later Col. Walter M. Walsh. One of his favorite recollections came from when Bill found children using empty ammo boxes for wagons. At this time Bill was Platoon Commander, Third Marine Snipers at Camp Carroll in Vietnam, Bill found a source back home and had some little red wagons delivered to him in country. He "traded" the children the ammo boxes for a shiny new red wagon. After a press photo reached the U.S. and appeared in the news, children all across America saved their pennies and sent them to help buy more red wagons. Operation Little Red Wagon was born. The original wagon sits on display in the Amateur Trap Shooters Association in Vandalia, Ohio. Bill often said the reward was the smiles on the faces of the children after receiving a new wagon. After traveling the world with his beloved Marine Corps, he settled back in East Texas. In 1982, he married the love of his life, Jo Ann. He was a devoted husband and friend. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jo Ann Abbott; children, Randy Abbott and wife Julie of Edmond, Okla., and Thoene Lynn Abbott of Colo.; mother-in-law, Mary Woods Allen; sisters-in-law, Dianna Wood and husband Bob of Lindale, Mary Demaret and husband David of Houston, Roseanna Bolla and husband Chuck of Chandler, Lenora Cawthon and husband Jack of Lindale; eight grandchildren, James and Matthew Abbott and Christy, Cole, Kyle, and Chris Jenkins, and Brooks and Ashley McGinnis all of whom live out of state; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews that love him. Many of his family were present when the Lord called him home. His was the strong heart of a Marine and he was bigger than life in the eyes of those he helped or protected. At ease, at last. Semper Fi, Bill, we'll miss you. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Wednesday at Stewart Family, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., south Tyler. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of Stewart Family Funeral Home with Rev. Byron Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Lindale City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Judge Robert M. Parker, Col. Walter Walsh, Gen. Paul Tibbets, Maj. Jim Land, Ken Wilson, Capt. Gene Adkins, Don L. Smith, Col. Dave Willis, Al Morrison, Randy Abbott, Bob Wood, David Demaret, Charles Bolla, Jack Cawthon, Jesse Maberry, the U. S. Marine Corps, and Smith and Cherokee County Law Enforcement.

Bill Abbott

April 22, 1928 - March 19, 2006