[Nfbofsc] Dennis Abdella Obituary

[David Houck]

Dennis A. Abdalla COLUMBIA - Dennis A. Abdalla, 84, of Columbia, passed away
on Friday, November 24, 2017. Dennis was born in Johnstown, PA, on March 6,
1933. He was married to Francis Phillips on November 22, 1958. He met Fran
while a student at the University of Maryland, where he received his
Bachelor's degree in Horticulture. Dennis was a member of the Maryland track
team and set several school records in the 100-yard dash. After graduation,
he joined the Army where he completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC,
and became the "General's Gardener" in Petersburg, VA. He and Fran then
moved to Clemson, SC, where Dennis completed his Master's degree in
Horticulture. Upon graduation, they moved to Orono, ME, where he was the
Blueberry Specialist for the University of Maine. His children, Laura and
Michael, were both born in Orono. In 1969, the family moved to Piscataway,
NJ, where Dennis attended Rutgers University to obtain his doctorate degree
in Horticulture. His research in peach production earned him the Carroll R.
Miller award for outstanding peach research in 1972. The family returned to
Columbia, SC in 1972, where Dennis worked for Clemson University Extension
Service at the Sandhill Experiment Station as a specialist in peach
production. Several years later, Dennis accepted an opportunity to teach the
art and science of horticulture to visually handicapped students at the
South Carolina Commission for the Blind. He remained in this position until
his retirement in 2001. During this time, Dennis helped many students obtain
meaningful jobs and helped others establish their own horticulture-related
businesses. Dennis was a licensed amateur (HAM) radio operator (K4JOD). He
enjoyed helping others get into the hobby as well as talking to people all
over the world. Dennis was also an accomplished woodworker. He enjoyed
working with all types of wood and building furniture and other wood items.
Dennis served the Lord to the best of his ability during his life and
enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing his faith with others. Dennis is
survived by his daughter, Laura and her husband, Tom Voth ; his
granddaughter, Isabella Voth and grandson, Ian Voth; his son, Michael
Abdalla and his wife, Tammy; and by a very dear friend, Nancy Brown. A
graveside service will be held, 2 o'clock, Friday, December 1st, at
Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, 11020 Two Notch Road, Elgin, SC 29045. Shives
Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories and
condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

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