Jeremiah E Abbott

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Frances Carnes Abbott and his daughters, Martha Abbott White (Mike) and Mary Abbott Harkins (Patrick) as well as his grandchildren Carnes White, Lilli Harkins and Clay Harkins. He is also survived by his brother, William Benjamin Abbott, III (Marian); his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Vic Cavanaugh and nieces and nephews William Benjamin Abbott, IV, (Jean Delaney); Ian Abbott (Kelly); Seth Wayman; Sarah Wayman Johnson (Frank); Katherine Ann Wayman, M.D. (Michael); Victor Cavanaugh (Sylvia) and Tom Cavanaugh (Jennifer).

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Colonel and Mrs. William Benjamin Abbott, Jr.; his sister Martha Abbott Wayman and his nephew Bruce Abbott.

Jerry was born July 30, 1932 in Tampa, FL and graduated from Plant High School. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1955 with a Civil Engineering degree. While at Tech he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi academic honorary, Tau Beta Pi Engineering honorary and Scabbard and Blade Army honorary. Upon graduation he received a Reserve Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant.

Jerry and Mary Frances moved to San Francisco where he worked for the Western Pacific Railroad. He was called into regular Army Service and completed his tour of duty in Wiesbaden, Germany. Upon returning to the states, he went to work at Vulcan Materials. Over the course of his engineering career, he was employed by Wallace McRoy Engineering and Southern Natural Gas. He retired from Vulcan Materials after 30 years. After retiring he volunteered with Living Waters for the World, providing engineering consulting services to bring fresh drinking water to the people of La Gonave, Haiti.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Ordained Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Clerk of the Session.

Jerry was an Eagle Scout and served as Bodymaster (President) of the Birmingham Sherlock Holmes Club (Genus Loci). He was a member of Mensa; Birmingham Area Georgia Tech Alumni Association of which he was named 2009 Alumnus of the Year; Sigma Chi Alumni Association; Mayflower Society; American Society of Civil Engineers and held his Professional Engineer Designation. He also earned the first Masters of Engineering degree awarded by UAB.

The family wants to thank the physicians and staff at St Vincent’s Hospital for their loving care and compassion.

Remembrances can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 2100 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10th from 5-7 pm at Ridout’s Valley Chapel and a graveside service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, March 11th at Elmwood Cemetery.