William "Bill" Ray Abel

William “Bill” Ray Abel, 80, of Grafton, went to be with the Lord, peacefully, on January 18th, 2018 in Pittsburgh surrounded by loved ones.

He was born at his home in Grafton on April 13th, 1937, son of the late Lloyd Abel and late Inez Masters Abel.

His work history varied over the years including: service in the Army, independent lime hauler and truck driver, as an employee of Musgrove’s Feed Store, then finally retiring after 27 years of custodial work at Pruntytown Elementary School, but through it all he was always, and will forever be, a farmer at heart.

He married on December 27, 1955 to Mildred Kathleen McCracken Abel, whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Abel, his mother, Inez Masters Abel, and his sister Lois Taylor.

He was survived in death by his brother Wayne Abel of Ravenswood, James (Eddie) Abel and sisters, Dorothy Collins, both of Grafton, WV; Delores Jean  McDaniel, Philippi,WV; children,Betty Dennis and fiancé Jeff Plimpton of New Cumberland, WV; son, Matthew Funk and fiancé Jennifer Moore of Crystal Springs, PA; grandchildren: Hope Dennis, and Kari Blake of Weirton, WV;  Tori Bragg, Joshua Blake, and Caleb Blake all of New Cumberland, WV; Devon Bragg of Chester, WV; Hannah Gilchrist, Shae Blake, and Logan Blake, all of Newell, WV; Brittany Blake of East Liverpool, OH; Michael Smith of Industrial, WV; SPC Sturtevant, Tessa Lynnette and husband SPC Sturtevant, Christopher Quinton Jr. stationed in Fort Stewart, GA. He also has nine great grandchildren with two more on the way, several nieces and nephews, and many to whom he will always be “Pap”.

He was affiliated with the Joseph Chapel Church of Philippi, WV. He had a passion for helping out those in need.  In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, farming, and the outdoors. He put forth the extra effort to spend time with his family and friends. He was always ready for a good hand of rummy with the grandchildren.  He will be missed by many.

Family and friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home 202 McGraw Ave. Grafton on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 2-8PM and on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 9AM until time of service at 11:00AM with Pastor Shawn Babbitt.  Interment will follow at Lawler Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the VFW Memorial City Post #3081, American Legion Taylor County Post #12, Central WVA DAV Chapter 24, and their Auxiliaries, and the WV Army National Honor Guard of Camp Dawson. Online condolences can be sent to the Abel family www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Abel family. 

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