Edward Ronald Abel

In Loving Memory of

Edward Ronald Abel

Edward Ronald Abel, 74, of Pearisburg, VA went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at his home. Ed was born on June 27, 1939 in Pittsburgh, PA and was a son of the late Edward G. Abel and Gladys K. Walliser Abel. Ed was a graduate of West View High School in Pittsburgh, Pa where he played five varsity sports and was inducted into the North Hills H.S. Hall of Fame. He was a graduate of Colgate University where he played baseball and football. Ed then played professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs farm team. Ed was a retired Captain from the United States Navy during the Vietnam War where he flew C130s, and later was a commercial pilot for Ransom Airlines. He was a retired Product Engineer for Inland Motor of Radford, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg since 1981, was an active member of the Choir and was a Life Master Bridge Player. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Anna Christine Hockenberger Abel of Pearisburg, two daughters, Jill Abel Dunford of Pearisburg, Wendy A. Burgess and Husband Matthew of Apex, NC, one son, Todd A. Abel and wife Heather of Laurinburg, NC, three brothers, Glenn K. Abel and wife Susan of Philadelphia, PA, Bruce A. Abel of Atlanta, GA, Lee G. Abel and wife Connie of Bucks County, PA, Seven grandchildren, Nikki and Ryan Spicer, Ethan and Emerson Burgess, Logan and Matthew Abel and Riley Phillips, special nieces and nephews, and special biking companions, Ken and Mary Hlavac of OH and Mary Pendleton Stafford from Pearisburg. Memorial services will be conducted Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with the Rev. Dr. Brian Birch. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg Saturday evening from 6 – 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 400, Pearisburg, VA 24134.