Ray Everett Abbott, Sr.

Ray E. Abbott, Sr, 86, of Albany, GA, died Tuesday, January 3, 2022 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Big Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Irwinville, GA.  Rev. John Spencer will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Irwinville Cemetery.

Mr. Abbott was born in Tift County, GA on January 14, 1936 to Carris and Rosa Lee Abbott.  He graduated from Tift County High School in 1955 and joined the United States Navy.  He served on the Oriskany and Hancock Aircraft Carriers.

He met the love of his life and future wife, Frances Martin on a blind date in Irwinville, GA, they were married and Mr. Abbott was transferred to Brunswick, GA.  After his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Abbott was employed with McKinnon Tractor Company in Tifton, GA and then moved to Albany, GA, where he was employed with Golden Glow Dairies from 1960 until 1974.

In 1974, Mr. Abbott bought the McDowell Grocery on Leary Road and Abbott’s Food Center, was started where celebrities and the famous hung their pictures and signatures.  He owned and operated his business along with his sons until 2018.  He was an expert meat cutter and sausage maker.  Mr. Abbott’s sausage was 2^nd to none and has been enjoyed all over the world.  He was a member of Sherwood Baptist Church and enjoyed quail hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his sons, Ray E. Abbott, Jr. and Phillip (Edey) Abbott and his grandchildren, Will (Natalie) Abbott, Evan Abbott, Ana Abbott and Ava Abbott all of Albany, GA.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday at Mathews Funeral Home.