Donald Ray Abbott

The family of Donald (Don) Ray Abbott is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 23, 2025. Known for his quiet, kind spirit, Don was a generous man who loved his family beyond measure. He is survived by his son Daniel (Dan) Abbott (Teresa Petro); daughter, Kristen Shelton (James Shelton); grandsons, Forrest Shelton and Hunter Shelton; granddaughter, Lily Marie Abbott; mother-in-law, Mary Kuzas; brother in law, Richard Parry (Vicki Parry); niece, Rachel Parry; nephews, Richard Parry III (Kimberly Parry); William (Randy) Parry (Deirdre Parry); and four grandnieces and one grandnephew, among other extended family. Don was preceded in his death by his father, Kenneth Abbott; his mother, Frances Abbott, and his beloved wife, Cynthia (Cyndi) Abbott. Don was born on June 26, 1952 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Albert Einstein High School in Wheaton, Maryland and received his BS in Marketing from Towson University and his BS in Accounting from The University of Maryland. Don married Cyndi on June 10, 1978 at Saint Patrick’s in Rockville, Maryland, and they raised their family together in Darnestown, Maryland. He worked for the SEC as an accountant and retired in 2014 to Cary, North Carolina. Don volunteered for Duke supporting the Diabetes Nutrition department for many years in his retirement. He also volunteered for the Durham Arts Council. Don was very supportive of his family. He traveled many trips with Dan to Drum Corps camps and performances and cheered Kristen on in many softball games. His support carried on through the years into their adulthood; he was always there for them with steady advice. He also showed so much love for his grandchildren who all adored him. Don traveled with his family to places near and far, and in retirement, he and Cyndi took many trips together from Boone, North Carolina to the Pacific Northwest. They also enjoyed watching British detective shows together and gardening; both Don and Cyndi had a green thumb, and they passed that down to their children too. Don will be very much missed by his family. The family would like to thank the Duke Oncology and UNC health staff for providing care for Don in his final years.

Donald Ray Abbott

June 26, 1952 - June 23, 2025