E. F. "Abbie" Abercrombie

Eckhardt Fowler "Abbie" Abercrombie, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 29, 2015, at the age of 85.
Abbie was a man of integrity and honor. He will be remembered for the way he lived out his faith as an example for others and modeled the life of a Christian man for his children and their families. Abbie believed in doing things right and doing the right thing. He had a terrific sense of humor and a quick wit that revealed an active mind and a remarkable memory that made him fun to be with and resulted in many sincere friendships.
He built a successful business by applying the same strong work ethic and sense of fairness that served him well throughout his life. He was stern when needed, but always fair. Through the grace of God, Abbie had an abiding faith in the Lord Jesus that made him an effective disciple and leader in his local church during his entire adult life. He was a faithful husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Abbie was born in Houston, Texas on February 17, 1930 to parents Minnie Bell Backus Abercrombie and Eckhardt Fowler Abercrombie, Sr. After graduating from Eagle Lake High School in 1948 and Texas A&M University in 1952, he married the love of his life, Rita Joann Bradley, in Columbus, Texas on July 3, 1953.
He was employed by Shell Oil before enlisting in the Air Force in 1955. In March of 1956 he received his wings, and his joy of flying carried over to his civilian life after he eventually left the Air Force. In May of 1960, he went to work for Joann's uncle, Al Hennessee, who had a homebuilding business based in Houston. This experience would launch him into a successful career as the owner of Del Mar Homes.
Throughout his life, Abbie enjoyed the lasting friendships that he and Joann developed during those early years of marriage, especially in the Houston area while attending Willow Meadows Baptist Church and Tallowood Baptist Church. These friends combined to form a network of support for each other through the years. The family moved to Clifton, Texas in 1972 and has been blessed to add many other faithful and true friends, both from First Baptist Church of Clifton, and from within the community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie Bell Backus Abercrombie and Eckhardt Fowler Abercrombie, Sr., son Jon Mark Abercrombie, and sister Jolly DeLaney. He is survived by his wife, Joann Bradley Abercrombie, of Clifton; daughters Amy (& Lloyd) Wiede of Allen, TX and Lisa (& Bob) Beach of Little Rock, AR; brother-in-law Jerry (& Margie) Bradley of Meridian; grandchildren Matt (& Kayla) Wiede of Allen, Shannon (& Kevin) MacDonald of Allen, Grant (& Aubree) Wiede of Coppell, Robert (& Sarah) Beach of Little Rock, Taylor (& Tori) Beach of Houston and Katherine Beach of Little Rock, as well as his eight great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
We give glory to God for the gift of family and friends who have come alongside of us as we have walked this journey, including the staff and members of First Baptist Church, Clifton, the medical staff of Goodall Witcher Hospital and Clifton Lutheran Ministries, Albrecht's Pharmacy, Clifton Funeral Home, and many members of the community who have provided assistance to our family during Abbie's illness.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, May 31st, 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Clifton. Memorials may be made to FBC, Clifton, or to the charity of your choice.
"Well done good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21