James "Tony" Abel

James “Tony” Abel, 73, entered into rest on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Tony was born on November 22, 1952 in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Floyd Smith and Mary Lou Abel. Raised in both Mobile and Warner Robins, Tony was a member of both basketball and track teams at Northside High School. He was also heavily involved in his school community, an early indicator of his dedication to serving those around him.

After a brief stint in college, Tony enlisted in the US Army in 1972. He served his country in Korea and retired from the military in 1978. From there, Tony continued serving in a civil capacity in the Defense Logistics Agency at Robins Air Force Base. During this time, he also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Master’s Degree in Logistics from Georgia College and State University. When he retired from the civil service, Tony worked as a professor at Central Georgia Technical College until 2025, where he taught logistics. He was also an active member of the VFW in Perry, where he served as commander.

Beyond his extended service, Tony also loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite traditions was the Abel family reunion, where he relished entertaining the crowd and speaking his mind in love. In his spare time, Tony liked fishing, golf, and all things Braves and Georgia Bulldogs related.

Tony will be remembered for his great sense of honor, his respect for tradition, and as a great father, brother, and friend.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Floyd Smith Abel Jr., and his brother in law, Pitt Edwards.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, Hayley C. Shanteau (Ryan) of Roswell, Georgia, and Josh Abel (Teresa) of Athens, Georgia; his grandchildren, Lanier and Ryan Clair Shanteau, David Camick, and Embry and Arthur Abel; his siblings, Suzanne Weber, Cammie Edwards, and Gary Abel (Tracy); his former wife, Deborah Abel; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by a visitation until 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. At a later date, James will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be given in memory of Tony to Camp Sunshine at 1850 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.