Mr. Harold Deforest McAbee, age 97, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 14, 2015.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm Saturday, one hour prior to the service.
He was born June 27, 1918 in Cherokee Springs, South Carolina the son of the late Malcolm and Flemer Easler McAbee. He went to Boiling Springs High School and attended Wofford College. He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a pilot during World War II. He retired from Milliken Textiles in 1981 following 35 years of service. Mr. McAbee was a member of First Baptist Church for over 49 years and he was a member of the Berean Sunday School Class. He was an avid golfer, and also loved woodworking, gardening, and his new cars. He was the oldest of 7 children. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Wilma Cox, Betty Turner, Rena Thomason and Marcelle Scogin.
Mr. McAbee is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Emily (White) McAbee of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Jeny McAbee of Spartanburg, SC; and Randy and Rita McAbee, Dahlonega, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Sheryl and Richard Dost, Center Valley, PA; and Cynthia and Doug Archer of Decatur, GA; grandchildren, Lydia, Sam, Sarah, Leslie and Will; great-grandchildren, Naomi and Noah; brother, Malcolm McAbee, Jr. and sister, June Ray.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Good News at Noon P.O. Box 1577 Gainesville, GA 30503; First Baptist Church Ministry of Caring 751 Green Street Gainesville, GA 30501; or your favorite charity.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
