9/18/17
Capt. USMC (Ret.) William E. “Bill” Abbs, age 79 of Carnesville, passed away Saturday,
September 16, 2017, at his residence.
Born in Emmet County, Michigan on April 1, 1938, he was a son of the late Benjamin W. Abbs
and Georgetta J. Grames Abbs. Capt. Abbs retired from the United States Marine Corps as a
distinguished and highly decorated veteran having earned numerous medals, awards, and
citations. During his military tenure he served three tours in Vietnam. After his military career,
Capt. Abbs attended Brenau University on the GI bill earning degrees in Criminal Justice and
Psychology and later retired from the State of Georgia Department of Corrections. In his spare
time, Capt. Abbs enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, farming, and was an avid Detroit Tigers
fan. He treasured quality time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, William Michael Abbs and
Wayne Edward Abbs; granddaughter, Amanda Abbs; brothers, Mike Abbs, George Abbs, and
Bob Grames; sisters, Patricia Plotkowski and Judy Brodd.
Surviving are wife of 34 years, Linda Robertson Abbs of Carnesville; sons, Bob (Chris) Abbs of
DeWitt, MI, Scott Abbs of Carnesville, and Mark (Beth) Bellamy of Clarkesville; 14
grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Sikkens and Sandy Hughes both of Carp
Lake, MI, Susan Elzinga of Boyne City, MI; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 19, 2017, from the Chapel of McGahee-
Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Terry Rice, Dr. Brian James, and Capt. USMC (Ret.) Bill Carr
officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery with full military honors provided by the
United States Marine Corps.
The family will receive friends from 12 pm until the funeral hour on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box
758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at
www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge
of arrangements.
