Erman James "E.J." "Abe" Ables

And so, it was on February 8th, 1933, the journey of Erman James Ables began in Bamberg, SC, where he born to the late Sadie Irene Abel. He completed life's journey on July 17th, 2020, with his daughters at his side and the prayers and thoughts of other family members surrounding him.

"E.J" or "Abe" as he was affectionately known was raised in Orangeburg, SC, and the surrounding communities. He joined the United States Air Force on October 31st, 1951. During his early years, E.J began his love of playing baseball. He cultivated his skills in this hobby throughout early adulthood, and even into his military career. E.J.'s skills at playing baseball caught the attention of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He married the love of his life Richelean Tarrant of Bamberg, SC, on March 6th, 1952, who he was introduced to by her brother, Marion Tarrant. Together they embarked on the exciting and challenging journey of being a military couple and ultimately a military family.

Initially, E.J. was stationed at the now-closed Donaldson Air Force base in Greenville, SC, where his first four children Christine, Robert, Linda Sue, and Barbara Ann, were born. E.J.'s next duty station was at the now-closed Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, where the family welcomed the 5th and final child, William. E.J. was later stationed abroad in Spain at Torrejón Air Base. His last duty station was Dyess Air Force Base, where he honorably retired after a rewarding military career. The family settled in Abilene in 1971.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Abe began a second career as a professional truck driver. Abe enjoyed being on the open road. He loved to go fishing. Abe was a simple man and relished in life's simple pleasures from a relaxing time fishing, having a cup of coffee and reminiscing of military life, to spending time with his family creating unique memories.

After his wife, Richelean, joined Crescent Heights Baptist Church, E.J. later became a member. "E.J"/" Abe" will be remembered for his love of family, being gregarious, love of conversation, and meeting new people. He was straightforward on how he wanted to do things and was unmovable in his convictions. E.J. was a great provider and protector. The last season of E.J.'s life was spent caring for and in deep concern for the wellbeing of his wife, Richelean, even above his own needs.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Abel; cherished grandson, James Daniel Nix; brothers, James, Herbert Lee, Arthur, and Robert Abel.

Abe is survived by his beloved wife Richelean Ables, his children, Retired Texas Ranger Dr. Christine Abel Nix, Robert Abel, and his wife, Karman, Linda Sue Abel Hundley, and her husband, Robert J., Barbara Ann Abels McDonnell, and William Abel, Sr. and his wife, Audra. E.J. was the proud Pa-Paw of, Christina Nicole "Niki" Nix, Matthew Ronald Nix, Kristen Michelle Abel, Lauren Michelle Abel-Alvarez, Phillip Ryan McDonnell, William David Abel, Jr., Samuel James Abel, Alexander Joseph De Miao, and Jonathan Michael Martinez; his sister, Vivian Irene Abel-Gregory; sisters-in-law, Mildred Breland and Jestine Kearse; and brothers-in-law, Marion Tarrant and Theodore Tarrant; special family friends, Ralph Ronald Nix and Michelle Decker Abel; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Memorial contributions in E.J.'s name can be made to Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Abilene.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at Hendricks Medical Center Anderson Wing, 3rd floor, Cardiac unit, 5th floor, the Windcrest Health and Rehabilitation of Abilene, Kinder Hearts Home Health & Hospice, and Meals on Wheels. We are especially grateful and appreciative of Dr. Ford and the Emergency Department staff for their efforts and the dignity shown to our loved one in his final moments; Mr. Justin Garland and staff, Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home & Dignity Memorial.

"And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain, My friends, I'll say it clear I'll state my case of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and every highway But more, much more than this I did it MY WAY"-Frank Sinatra