William T. Abbott
William (Bill) T. Abbott of Georgetown, Texas passed away March 30, 2015 with his family by his side. He was 75.
He was born Jan. 1, 1940, at Fort Sill (Lawton), Oklahoma to Mose and Mildred Abbott and was a devoted husband to Ly T. Nguyen, wife of 43 years, and dedicated father to three children.
Bill graduated from Lawton High School, earned his BS from University of Alaska Fairbanks and MBA from University of Alaska Anchorage.
Bill was a dedicated livestock showman and member of FFA and the 4-H Club during high school. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959 and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. Most of his time was spent as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Airborne Brigade and a radio operator/recon team specialist operating under MACV ‘SOG’, Fifth Special Forces Group. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart and contributed to Fifth SF Group’s Presidential Unit Citation.
SSGT Abbott was honorably discharged from active duty in 1968.
Accompanied by his family, Bill went on to adventurous employment in the shipping and oil industries around the globe. He lived in Singapore, the Netherlands, Canada and Saudi Arabia, as well as Texas, California, New Jersey and Alaska. Some of his credentials include Merchant Marine and ship captains’ licenses. Abbott retired in 2004 from his post as Port Director/Harbor Master of Homer, Alaska.
Drawn to the water, Bill sought a life at sea on his own time, in addition to his maritime activities. He owned and operated various tugboats and fishing boats which served him well in his capacity as a professional and hobbyist. An avid fisherman since boyhood, Bill shared this passion with his family.
He is survived by his wife Ly and children: Benjamin Abbott, Katherine Abbott and Thomas Abbott; grandson Scout Hodge; mother Mildred Stevenson; and sisters Norma Ray and Judy Burns. He is predeceased by his sister Rosemary Widdig and father Mose Abbott.
Visitation will be held at the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. A patriot guard escort to the burial ceremony with honor guard will follow at 2 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.