Gary L. Abbott, age 67, a lifetime resident of the Peninsula, passed away July 10, 2019.  He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Robin A. Abbott; mother, Jean Abbott of Yorktown, VA; sisters, Vickie Owens of Yorktown, VA, and Rebecca Villafane (Louie) of Crofton, MD;, children, Bradford Abbott of Dahlgren, VA, Nicholas Lockwood and Anthony Lockwood (Karri) of Newport News, VA, and Michael Lockwood, of Hampton, VA; six grandchildren, Kali, Chase, Allison, Paige, Jackson and Max, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Abbott, his brother, Gregory Abbott, and his sister, Angela Abbott.

Gary grew up in Yorktown, VA, was a graduate of York High School and the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School.  He retired from the Shipyard after 31 years of service in 2001 to pursue his law degree.  He attended Thomas Nelson Community College, and graduated from Christopher Newport University, and the William and Mary School of Law.  Gary’s entire legal career was devoted to fighting for “the little guy” against mistreatment and abuse at the hands of misbehaving businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Gary was a totally selfless and caring man dedicated to family and friends.  He was a proud Mensan and an ardent explorer of the mysterious fringes of reality, like the UFO phenomenon.  He loved heavy metal music, and watching horror movies.  One of his greatest joys was reading to his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grumps.”

There will be a celebration of Gary’s life on July 24, 2019, at 2 p.m., at the Chapel located on the campus of Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christopher Newport University Education Foundation (CNUEF) in memory of Gary L. Abbott.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with arrangements.