William Earl “Bill” Abbott, 74
May 1, 1952 – October 8, 2026
William Earl “Bill” Abbott, age 74, departed this earthly life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at his residence in New Albany, Mississippi.
Services celebrating the life of Bill will be at 2 PM Tuesday October 13, 2026, in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care with visitation beginning at 12 Noon until time for service. Bro. Marty Merritt will officiate and in following Bill’s wishes he will be cremated following the service.
Born May 1, 1952, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Mr. Bill is the son of Mrs. Vivian Armstrong Rhodes, who survives, and the late William Henry Rhodes. He received his education at West Union School and, on November 9, 1973, married his beloved wife, Malinda Pickens Abbott, who he leaves behind. Together, they shared nearly fifty-three years of marriage, building a life filled with family, love, and memories that will be treasured for generations.
A hard worker throughout his life, Mr. Bill spent twenty-eight years driving trucks and twenty years working in road construction, with employment at APAC. He understood the value of an honest day’s work and found enjoyment in visiting with others over the CB radio.
Of the Baptist faith, Mr. Bill appreciated the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors, especially when tending his deer plots or spending time with his dogs and chickens. He also enjoyed cooking and had what his family lovingly described as “a sweet tooth a mile long.”
Above all, Mr. Bill loved spending time with his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and the moments they shared will remain among their most cherished memories. His faithful dog, Pepper, affectionately known as “Daddy’s baby,” was another treasured part of his life. Whether enjoying the outdoors, preparing something good to eat, or simply being with those he loved, Mr. Bill found happiness in the familiar comforts of home and family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Malinda Pickens Abbott; his mother, Vivian Rhodes; one son, William Ray Abbott of Collinwood, Tennessee; two daughters, Amy Abbott (Tim Harris) of Myrtle and Sonya Abbott of Ecru; two sisters, Lisa Chism (Tracy) of New Albany and Jan Abbott of Indiana; nine grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Pepper.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Henry Abbott; two brothers, Randy Abbott and Ricky Abbott; and two great-grandchildren, Bella Abbott and Daniel Abbott.
Mr. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Although his presence can no longer be seen, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, through the stories they share, the moments they treasure, and the love that will always remain.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care is honored to serve the Abbott family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Tuesday
October 13, 2026
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care
New Albany, Mississippi
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Funeral Service
Tuesday
October 13, 2026
2:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care
New Albany, Mississippi
