William Crawford Abbott

William Crawford Abbott passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 16th, 2021.  He was born on August 23rd, 1932 to Wilson and Addie Bramble Abbott at the family home in Robbins, Maryland.  He was raised by his loving uncle and step father Carl Abbott after his father’s untimely passing when Crawford was four years old.

He married Shirley Messick on October 27th, 1951 in a double ceremony in Hurlock Maryland with her sister Ann and best friend Jimmy Slacum.  They just celebrated 69 years of marriage.  They raised their children on 207 East Appleby Avenue in the home lovingly built by Crawford and his father Carl.

Over the years Crawford held positions at Cambridge Wire Cloth and Maryland Wire Belt before fulfilling his dream of self-employment.  He worked closely with his brother Russell to create his own excavation business.  While he was a hard worker- his true passion was developing, maintaining and spending time on the family homestead in Robbins, Maryland.

Crawford was the baby of the family and was lovingly nurtured by his parents, and his brothers and sisters.  This love was the true foundation for the son, brother, husband, father and grandfather that be became.

He was a true outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, trapping and treasured time spent on the family property in Robbins, Maryland. Crawford was the quintessential gentleman and family man who always had a complimentary word.  People enjoyed being in his presence.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, daughters:  Sharon Cropper (Mark), Karla Eskridge (Ernie) and Karen Abbott.  Three grand-daughters:  Chelsea Seabrease (Brian), Emily Eskridge, and Addie Cropper (Adam), great grandchildren, Preston and Quinn Seabrease along with family friends, and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers:  Luther, Wilson, Russell and sisters Margarite, and Doris.

A special heart felt “thank you” goes out to his caregivers:  Janet Messick- sister in- law, Amy Rigney- niece, Tammy Lewis, Robyn Edmondson, Aggie Rossini and Laura Johnson who lovingly cared for him in his final years- helping the family to realize their wish to keep him in the home that he so dearly loved.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 1 pm at Dorchester Memorial Park with Rev. Steve Bloodsworth officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Coastal Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or to Open Bible Church, 1619 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge. Face mask and social distancing is required.