Fred L. Abel, Jr.

Mr. Fred L. Abel, Jr., 78, of Johnson City, went to be with the Lord at Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Fred was a lifelong resident of Johnson City. Fred was a retired pipe fitter and member of Local 538. He was a veteran of the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Theodore E. Chandler DD717. He was a member of Rhea Masonic Lodge 47, a charter member of Jericho Shrine, and he was a Shrine Clown, Eastern Star and Chapter Council Commandery. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School director and helped in Mission Friends and Bible School. Mr. Abel was preceded in death by his parents, Fred L. Abel, Sr. and Marylee Abel; and brother, Ross Abel. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wanda S. Abel; one daughter, Deborah S. Johnson and husband Kenneth Johnson; one son, Fred David Abel and wife Martha Abel; one grandson, his little buddy Peyton Grayson Abel; two sisters, Henrietta and Carolyn Abel; and a brother, Kenneth Abel. He had a grandson, Chase J. Silvers, who adopted him as his grandfather when he was one year old. He also had many other family members and many friends who are considered family. The family of Fred L. Abel, Jr. will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Monday, March 13, 2017, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7 PM with Dr. Michael Oaks officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 11 AM Tuesday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pastor Scott Thompson will officiate. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Minister, family, and friends are requested to meet at Morris-Baker by 10:30 AM Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.