Roy Wayne Abel, 74, of Dennison, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare Truman House in New Philadelphia. Born July 28, 1949 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Lloyd Wayne “Diz” and Gladys Louise (Gray) Abel.
After his 1968 graduation from Claymont High School, Roy was employed by the Dennison Street Department and Fire Department, along with his father. Roy loved his time at the fire department and remembered it fondly throughout his life. He moved on to working at the Nolan Company in Bowerston for a time, before being employed by Stone Container in New Philadelphia until his retirement in 1997. A lifelong Dennison resident, Roy was proud to be a “Southsider”. He was a sports enthusiast who had coached Little League for 13 years, loved watching sports on TV – supporting his favorite teams, the Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers – and talking to his grandsons about the sports in which they were active. He also treasured the time that he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including watching “Walker Texas Ranger” with his grandsons.
On December 2, 1968, Roy married his high school sweetheart, the former Anna Mae Grezlik, who survives him along with their children, Vince (companion, Rae) Abel, Christina (Brad) Guy, and Melissa (Steve) Harris; grandchildren, Terin (companion, Madison), Zane, Mackenzie, Ashton, Lloyd, Ethan (companion, Brandy), Kourtney, Darnelle, LaShante, and Monisha; and great-grandchildren, Malcolm, Laila, Maverick, Leo, and Adonis. Roy is also survived by his brothers, Ronnie L. (Sue) Abel and William E. (Debra) Abel; a dear brother-in-law, Dennis Welshenbaugh; a special friend, Jimmy Albaugh, who was like a son to him; many nieces and nephews; and his canine companion, Marley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Jessie and Xavier Grezlik; sister-in-law, Rose Welshenbaugh; and sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Dallas Leavers.
A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Kevin Hartline, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, at Union Cemetery in Uhrichsville. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring Roy’s memory may be made to the Dennison Fire Department.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
740.922.1970
www.lindseyfh.com
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