Willmott "Ret" Abbuhl Lt. Col.

WILLMOTT (BILL) ABBUHL, 79, formally from McCormick, SC, passed quietly at home with family and friends in Northport, Maine on Wednesday, May 28. Mr. Abbuhl was born on July 7, 1934 in Cropseyville, NY to Fredrick and Gladys Willmott Abbuhl. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Hester Ailes Abbuhl, who passed away September 4, 2010. He is survived by his step-daughter, Susan Nettles of Spartanburg, SC; step-son Michael Nettles and wife Violet of Manassas Park, VA; four step-grandchildren, Matthew, Melissa and Angelina Ward, Spartanburg, SC, and Cassandra Nettles of Manassas Park, VA; one brother, John W. Abbuhl of Slingerlands, NY; two nephews, John B. Abbuhl and Frederick Abbuhl; two nieces, Susan Pratt, and Stephanie Chensky; as well as 10 great nieces and nephews. Bill served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He was pleased with the transformation that occurred in his life that resulted in his increased empathy towards his fellow human beings. He believed that we could have heaven on earth if we worked toward that end. In the secular world he was a pioneer in the introduction of digital communications technology in the Army and the Department of Defense. This included the development and initiation of a training program for program analysts and maintenance personnel, the introduction of digital based operational data in the field army, the development of computer software for the Department of Defense automatic digital network, the development of a plan for the Army to automate all message and data handling, and the consolidation of the Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Joint Chiefs of Staff message centers in the Pentagon. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1979. At Bill's wish, he was cremated and a memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 10, 2014 at Lincolnville United Christian Church, 18 Searsmont Road, Lincolnville, Maine. Condolences may be sent to Susan Nettles, 408 Abner Rd Apt 45, Spartanburg, SC 29301. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisiting the Abbuhl family.