William V. Abney

William V. Abney, age 96, passed away, November 26, 2022, with family by his side. Beloved husband of the late Audrey Abney, Bill is survived by his cherished daughters Susan, Diane (Albert), Nancy (John); dearest granddaughter Kelly (Jason) and loving great-granddaughters Natalie, Emily and Julie and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verla and Edna, and sisters, Dortha and Lorene as well as his son-in-law David. A man of integrity and generosity, he was born into humble beginnings on a sharecropper’s farm in rural Arkansas. Bill learned the meaning of hard work early in life, tending to the crops and animals daily, and walking six miles to and from school. He graduated early from Western High School in Detroit, and at 17, enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII. He served as an airplane instrument mechanic and flight engineer, and was honorably discharged in May 1946. Bill met the love of his life Audrey at work and they were married in May 1948. Their nearly 64-year marriage was blessed with three daughters. After 17 ½ years as a Detroit Fire Fighter, he left to help his father-in-law run Hammell Music in Livonia, which he purchased at age 39. Bill preferred to work and never retired. In his later life he was an integral part of his daughter’s business. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved his family. His positive attitude brought encouragement to all. Those who were blessed to meet and know Bill will always cherish his great inner strength, sharp wit, helping spirit and endless determination. Bill had a special place in his heart for his horses and dogs and was an avid traveler, fisherman and cook. There will always be a hole in our hearts for you Dad, until we meet again at Jesus’ feet. Memorial Service to be held at a later date as well as a private family burial. Memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse Alaska Lodge Operation “Heal Our Patriots”. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/operation-heal-our-patriots/ To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

William V. Abney

January 11, 1926 - November 26, 2022