MESA, Ariz. — On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 Andrew William, B. Abbott, Jr. (Bill), loving husband and father of two died, at the age of 84.
Bill was born Aug. 30, 1936 in DeKalb to William and Dorothy (Mowers) Abbott. He graduated from Malta High School in Malta in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Carson of Rochelle, in 1955.
Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1957, stationed one year in Japan. They raised daughter, Teresa Abbott of Apache Junction, Arizona, and son Michael Abbott of Mesa, Arizona.  
While residing in Rochelle, Bill was employed as a mechanic, eventually opening his own automotive shop, Bill & Mike’s Auto until 1977, when the family moved to Mesa, Arizona. Bill worked for Brown & Brown Chevrolet in Mesa, Arizona, and once established, opened another automotive repair shop with his son, Bill & Mike’s Auto in Mesa, until he retired in 2004.
Bill’s passion was target and silhouette shooting and attending NRA matches in the Phoenix and Tucson area. Bill enjoyed spending time in the White Mountains, Show Low area where he and Jean built their family cabin — aka, Bill’s Castle.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Teresa; son, Michael (Kristi); two grandchildren, Courtney and Michael; and three great-grandchildren, Kyndal, Kasyn and Axstyn; sister-in-law, Joan Waltz of Mesa, Arizona; brother-in-law Jim Freeman of Malta; several nieces and nephews; and his loving dog Annie.
Bill was known for his smile and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need.
He is preceded in death by his father, William, and mother, Dorothy; sisters, Sharon, Brenda, Linda and Karen; and brothers, Roger and “Woody.”
The family wants to thank Hospice of the Valley for the loving care given to Bill.
Due to COVID-19 there will not be any services, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.