THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 22, 1996 TAG: 9606220209
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: 36 lines
John David Abbitt Jr., 83, died June 21, 1996, in his home.
Mr. Abbitt was born in Franklin and reared in Norfolk. He attended the School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and graduated in 1936. Mr. Abbitt served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II and in the European Theater during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years.
Spending his professional career as a banker and financial officer, Mr. Abbitt became the president and director of Merchants and Farmers Bank in Franklin. In 1963 he was involved in the formation of United Virginia Bankshares, now known as Crestar Bank, one of the state's first bank holding companies. He served on its board of directors and as senior vice president. He also served on the board of directors of Bassett Mirror Co.
Involved in numerous community activities, Mr. Abbitt was a member and trustee of Franklin Baptist Church and a member of the Bruner Bible Class. He also served as president of the Franklin Industrial Corporation and was past president and director of the Franklin Library. He served as a director and officer of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Frances Hundley Abbitt; a son, John David Abbitt III of Gainsville, Fla.; two daughters, Mary Denson Abbitt Moore of Blacksburg, Va., and Frances Abbitt Sauerborn of Tarboro, N.C.; as well as seven grandchildren; his sister, Elizabeth A. Kales of York, Pa.; and his sister-in-law, Mary Alice Abbitt of Franklin.
The funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday in Franklin Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Ira D. Hudgins and the Rev. Dr. David Moore. Burial will be in Poplar Spring Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Franklin Library. Wright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB