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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>