Benjamin Franklin Abbott, Jr., 73, of Woodstock, VA, died on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on October 25, 1943 in Washington, DC, and raised in Weems, VA, he was the son of Benjamin F. Sr. and Lorraine (Smith) Abbott, both deceased; and preceded in death by two daughters, Wendy Marie Barton and Lynn Michelle Abbott. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Abbott of Woodstock; son, James and wife Bethany Abbott, granddaughter Jamisen Abbott and grandson Bryson Abbott, all of Centreville, VA; Thomas Abbott of Chicopee, MA; Keith (Theresa) Abbott of Weems, VA; and David (Cindy) Abbott of Reedville, VA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ben, soon after graduating from Lancaster High School, enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably from 1963-1967. He continued his government employment as a civil service worker with a specialty of refrigeration/heating/air conditioning engineering for a total of 42 years, culminating as the Chief Building Engineer of the United States Treasury Building in Washington, DC, until his retirement in 2005. After retirement Ben moved to Woodstock, VA from Springfield, VA and became a member in the VFW and American Legion. His retirement also allowed him to enjoy one of his most passionate hobbies -- the outdoors, specifically hunting. He looked forward to spending time with family and friends in the autumn woods each fall and was excited to hunt with his grandson the past few years. He cherished his time as a member of the Childress Hunt Club in Radford, VA and enjoyed the great hunts and the fond memories created from the Club. Ben always went out his way to assist others and give a helping hand whenever asked, no matter what was needed, and he enjoyed his daily drives to visit friends and watching wildlife. Visitation will be Friday, January 6th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Currie Funeral Home (116 E Church St, Kilmarnock, VA 22482). Funeral services will also be at Currie Funeral Home on Saturday, January 7th, at 11:00 AM with Reverend Blythe officiating. Following the services, a reception will be held for family and friends at the Kilmarnock Hotel and Suites (599 N Main St, Kilmarnock, VA 22482). Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/) and Blue Ridge Hospice (http:// www.blueridgehospice.org/ or via mail: 333 West Cork Street, #405, Winchester, VA 22601). http://curriefuneralhome.net/home.html https://www.kilmarnockhotelandsuites.com