Gary David Abel

Gary David Abel, 72, of Washington, Pennsylvania, formerly of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born August 29, 1952, in Bristol, Virginia, son of Bonnie Bernice Eldreth Abel and the late David Wallace Abel. Gary graduated from Sullivan East High School and Tennessee Tech, where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He worked for several railroad construction companies and recently retired from Balfour Beatty Rail. Gary enjoyed all sports but enjoyed golf most of all. He is preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Randall and Phillip Abel; and a sister-in-law, Virginia Rosenbaum. In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his wife of 48 years, Vickie Reynolds Abel; sons David M. and Matthew T. Abel; foster son Randy Czapski; two grandchildren, Dalton and Nadia Czapski; sisters-in-laws Diana Gilliam and Phyllis (Allan) Hearl; brother-in-law Michael Reynolds (Lora); nieces and nephews Kristen Clevinger, Chip Gilliam, Michael Hearl, Holly and Dalton Reynolds; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, Bristol, Tennessee, 423-764-7123 is handling the arrangements for the family, which are incomplete at this time.