Former Homer resident William (Bill) T. Abbott of Georgetown, Texas, died March 30, 2015, with his family by his side. He was 75.

He was born Jan. 1, 1940, at Fort Sill (Lawton), Okla., to  Mose and Mildred Abbott, and was a devoted husband to Ly T. Nguyen, wife of 43 years, and dedicated father to three children. Bill graduated from Lawton High School, earned his bachelor of science from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and his master of business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Bill was a dedicated livestock showman and member of Future Farmers of America and the 4-H Club during high school. He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1959 and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. Most of his time was spent as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Airborne Brigade and as a radio operator/recon team specialist operating under MACV ‘SOG’, 5th Special Forces Group. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart, and contributed to 5th SF Group’s Presidential Unit Citation. Staff Sgt. Abbott was honorably discharged from active duty in 1968.

Accompanied by his family, Bill went on to adventurous employment in the shipping and oil industries around the globe, living in Singapore, The Netherlands, Canada and Saudi Arabia as well as Texas, California, New Jersey and Alaska. Some of his credentials include Merchant Marine and ship captain’s licenses. Mr. Abbott retired in 2004 from his post as Port Director/Harbor Master of Homer.

Drawn to the water, Bill sought a life at sea on his own time in addition to his maritime activities. He owned and operated various tugboats and fishing boats which served him well in his capacity as a professional and hobbyist. An avid fisherman since boyhood, Bill shared this passion with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ly; his children, Benjamin Abbott, Katherine Abbott, and Thomas Abbott; his grandson, Scout Hodge; his mother, Mildred Stevenson; and his sisters, Norma Ray and Judy Burns. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosemary Widdig, and father, Mose Abbott. 

Visitation will be held at the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015, followed by a Patriot Guard escort to the burial ceremony, with Honor Guard at 2 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. 

Arrangements were by Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Killeen, Texas. Condolences can be made at their website, Harper-Talasekfh.com.