Coach John Gaston “Johnny” Abbott, 67, of Tifton died Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2014, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Brantley Seymour will officiate and eulogies will be given by William Arnold and Rusty Smith. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Rusty Smith, Stacey Duckworth, Walter Burgess, Joel Carpenter, Bryce Abbott, Will Arnold and Mike Ellis will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the congregation of Vanceville Congregational Christian Church. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Coach Abbott was born on September 2, 1946 in Tift County and was the son of Rev. Robert Henry Abbott and Frances Lieupo Abbott, both deceased. He retired after many years as a coach and teacher at 8th Street Middle School, as well as other schools including Tiftarea Academy. The Johnny Abbott Award is presented in his honor each year to an athletic student at 8th Street Middle School. He was a member of Vanceville Congregational Christian Church.
Coach Abbott is survived by his wife, Jackie Park Abbott of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law Brett and Daphne Abbott of Tifton; one daughter and son-in-law, Becky and William Arnold of Tifton; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Robert Henry “Bobby” Jr. and Gloria Abbott of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jack and Joyce Abbott of Tifton and Bill Abbott of Tifton; five grandchildren, Will Arnold, Katie Arnold, Lauren Abbott, Layton Abbott and Ryder Abbott, who lovingly referred to him as “PaPa”.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.