John L. Abbott, 82, of Springport, IN, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 1, 2026. He was born in Jamestown, TN, to Hattie (Crouch) Abbott and Wid (Doc) Abbott, the youngest of thirteen children, nine of whom lived past infancy.

John tried many jobs prior to settling into his career at Norfolk & Southern Railroad while simultaneously starting his own business in 1969, Abbott's Auto Body. He built and grew the business alongside his hardworking, wife, Betty, and later with their sons Tim and Tony.

John was a man who was never afraid of taking a chance.  Whether it was ostrich farming, a night at the riverboat casino, a wallet full of lottery tickets, or race cars, he brought that same bold, "I can do anything" attitude to every aspect of his life.

He was a very proud man who took great pride in his family's accomplishments.

His truest passion, though, was golf. He took up the game at age 50 when his sons took him golfing for the first time on Father's Day. Over a 28-year golf career, John scored seven hole-in-ones! An accomplishment we are all very proud of, as was he.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Nola Copeland, and Jaunita; and brothers Irvin, Gene, Lyle, Bob, Sonny, Roger, and Bud.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Dean Abbott; his children Kim (Jimmy) Evans, Tim (Candy) Abbott, Pam (Pat) Griffin, and Tony (Amy) Abbott; and his grandchildren Ethan (Maddie) Evans, Dalton (fiancée Morgan Miller) Evans, Peyton Evans, Bailey (Troy) Kesterson, Spencer (Bianca) Abbott, Samantha Abbott, Kit, Maggie, Libby, and Della Griffin, and Macy, Toby, Levi, and Demi Abbott.

Five great-grandchildren: Ayden Abbott, Camilo Abbott; Henry, Lilly, and  Quincy Evans; Everleigh Evans.  He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and close friends he considered family.

If it weren't for the kindness and support of his caregiver Jeanette Rich, his life would have been much shorter and less fulfilling. Her dedication to John and Betty for the last three years is immeasurable. We thank God for her and their recent caretaker, Maya Udindo, each day.

Services will be held at Parsons Mortuary on Saturday, August 8th, in Muncie, IN, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Tomlinson's Cemetery.