Robert Lee Abbott, Jr.

Robert Lee Abbott, Jr., 86 of Kinston was born January 8, 1934 to the late Robert Lee Abbott, Sr. and Ruth Phillips Abbott.

He passed away from his home into Glory on Sunday, May 17, 2020 with his wife and daughter by his side. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mamie Abbott Browning; brother-in-law, Joe Wilson Browning, Jr and brother-in-law, Orville Bruce Daughety, Sr.  

Lee is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nell Daughety Abbott of the home; daughter, Kim Shyver Abbott of LaGrange, nieces, Robin Browning Hartfield of Greensboro, Ruth Browning Caldwell and husband Chuck of Kernersville, Rhonda Browning Abbott and husband Walter of Grifton and Sherry Daughety Smith and husband Bob of Kinston; nephews, Jay Wilson Browning and wife Fredda of Thomasville and Orville Bruce Daughety, Jr and wife Anne of Kinston and sister-in-law Barbara Lang Daughety of Kinston.

Robert Lee Abbott, Jr. known as Levi, graduated from Grainger High School in 1952. Lee excelled in many sports as a child up until his declining health. He was proficient in baseball, basketball, tennis and golf. Lee’s true love was baseball. He also played in the American League Ball. His incredible athletic ability earned him a full scholarship in baseball at Wake Forest University. Lee was on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons baseball team in 1955 that won them the 1st national championship in any sport by any school in NC. Lee went on to become an avid golfer and won the Kinston Country Club championship tournament in the 1960’s. Lee enjoyed playing at the Kinston Country Club, Greenville Country Club, Falling Creek Country Club, Grifton Country Club and Ayden Country Club. He continued to play while his health allowed. Lee won the Kinston Country Club Tournament Championship in 1967. 

Lee’s educational background earned him a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Atlantic Christian College, now known as Barton and a master’s degree in education administration from East Carolina University. Lee’s love for coaching and sports allowed him to do what he loved for 14 years where he taught and coached in many different counties in NC. After switching careers, he worked for Tar Heel Uniform Company as a sales representative in Greenville. Years later, he went on to pursue opening his own industrial supplies services, rentals and sales known as Abbott Sales and Rentals in Greenville. He was owner and operator until his retirement.

The family would like to send out a special thank you to all of their neighbors and friends as well as Community Home Health Care and Hospice workers, nurses and staff for their dedication and help during this difficult time. They have all been a true blessing.

A private service will be held at a later date.