December 9, 1940 – December 2, 2025
It is impossible to encapsulate in a few paragraphs the life of a man as cherished as George. The memories and love of his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends could fill volumes. George’s life was marked by true bravery, endless kindness, overflowing generosity, and unending patience towards those he loved or even barely knew. He had a laugh that filled a room and a sense of humor that could brighten any moment. If you knew George, you knew he loved Jesus. His life was marked by his faith in Jesus, and he dedicated his life to serving Christ in his family, his church, and his work to improve the lives of those in the blind community. His resiliency, intelligence, and faithfulness were God’s gifts to him as he built a life on a solid foundation that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus.
Born in Cumberland, Md., to George Senior and Nellie Abbott, George grew up along the C&O Canal with his brother Francis and sister Gina. He always spoke fondly of riding his bike and delivering papers and the inevitable adventures of doing those things with limited vision. While still a young boy, he left Cumberland to attend the Maryland School for the Blind in Baltimore, where he met his lifelong friend Jack. When he graduated from the School for the Blind, he returned home to graduate from Fort Hill High School in the days long before IEP’s. George conquered whatever obstacles he faced with courage and stamina.
Upon graduation, George worked tirelessly for 64 years as a manager of several state and federal vending and dining facilities. His mornings began before the sun was up, and he gave 110% wherever he worked. Beginning at the State Capitol in Annapolis and finishing at Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, George managed each facility with integrity and demonstrated deep care for every employee and customer he encountered.
Additionally, he volunteered for many years on a committee with the Maryland Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, creating more opportunities for blind individuals to find avenues for personal growth and employment. He also served in leadership roles with Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and American Council of the Blind. His work with those organizations allowed him to advocate before Congress on the behalf of blind vendors and to meet with senators to continue promoting the effectiveness of the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
After his relationship with Christ, his family was the most important thing in the world to him. When George first met Carolyn on a blind date, he began a relationship with her that grew into 57 years of marriage. A marriage that withstood the inevitable hardships of life, and one that was filled with love and joy and a lot of laughter. George and Carolyn’s little family of two eventually grew with the birth of four children, and now includes a son-in-law and four grandchildren; and George loved us all fiercely and was so proud of all of us.
Our hearts are filled with memories of him setting aside intentional time to spend with us. We treasure memories of all the long walks we took with him. We remember all the hours he sat waiting for us while we attended youth groups or practices, the multiple times he went sledding down the hill, laughing loud and clear. We remember seeing his face in the crowd, knowing he was cheering us on at any game, event, or production we were a part of.
Our fondest memories are from the trips we took as a family. The laughter, the beauty, the dedicated hours spent together. He always took great joy in each adventure and every hike. Ironically, he was our designated navigator. No matter what wrong turn or detour we took, the blind man next to the driver always got us back on the right road. He had that same profound impact on our lives.
Two of his favorite travel adventures were with Carolyn. Their first adventure outside of the country took them to Israel, where they had the opportunity to explore the land where Jesus once walked. A few years later, they traveled to Alaska, where they cruised along the Inside Passage and explored the interior, visiting Denali National Park, glaciers, and icebergs.
George was an avid learner when it came to technology advancements. He learned how to use a computer and iPhone with proficiency. He loved music, especially bluegrass, and old-time radio programs. He enjoyed cars and his trips to the Washington Auto Show and road trips in the MINI Cooper. He loved all things trains: train museums, model trains, the sound of trains. If you were to ask any of us where his favorite spot was at home, we’d say sitting on his deck listening for the frogs to bring tidings of spring or the geese announcing the coming of winter. The world around him was a symphony that brought color to the darkness.
For those of us who loved him, there is a void in our lives that has left us feeling lost. We are grieving. But we are not without hope. Our hope rests in the promise that we will be reunited with him again. “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-15.
A memorial service was held on January 24, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of George Abbott Jr. to any of the charities below:
Christian Record Service
5900 S. 58th Street
Suite M
Lincoln, NE 68516
donorcare@christianrecord.org
Union Mission
Abbott Scholarship
700 S. Park Street
Charleston, WV 25304
unionmission.com
American Center for Law & Justice
PO Box 90555
Washington, DC 20090
aclj.org