John "Jack" Bernard Abell

John (Jack) B. Abell, 87, of Davidson, NC passed away on February 13, 2020, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville.

Jack was born in Chicago on April 3, 1932, to the late Mabel and James Abell. His two brothers, James and Robert, preceded him in death.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1954 and a Master’s degree in logistics management in 1968 from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Jack retired from the United States Air Force as Colonel after serving 22 years and two tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After his military retirement, Jack spent five years at the Logistics Management Institute in Bethesda, MD before moving on to the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, CA for the next 15 years.

After retiring from the Rand Corporation in 1996, Jack built an airplane and pursued his love of travel. He was an avid sailor and passionate photographer who enjoyed skiing, cycling and listening to his extensive music collection.
He is survived by his daughters Susan and Kimberly; son John; grandchildren Jake and Maddie; eight nieces and nephews; and his former spouse Nancy.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Online condolences and memories of Jack may be left for his family at kepnerfh.com