Russell Gene Abbott, age 69 of Melrose, Florida passed away on Thursday September 2nd 2021. Gene, as most people called him, was born on May 15th, 1952 to his loving parents Buddy and Nancy Abbott.
Starting when he was young and continuing through his entire life, Gene was an avid car enthusiast. He started drag racing at an early age in his first race car a 1971 Dodge Duster. He continued racing through much of his life winning various races and championships through the years. Some of his accomplishments include multiple Gainesville Raceway wins and championships, multiple Super Gas Associations wins and a championship, and several NHRA sanctioned event wins.
Although drag racing is what Gene was most known for, he was also an accomplished plasterer and business owner. He began plastering with his father Buddy at State Plastering in Gainesville Florida. Eventually they left State Plastering to start a business of their own. His talents and work ethic as a plasterer were a large part of the success of Professional Plastering. Gene eventually opened several successful businesses of his own including DGA Products, The Rod Shop of Gainesville, and Abbott Profinishes.
He lived most of his life just outside of Gainesville in Melrose, Florida with his loving wife of 40 years Diana transforming a small 2-bedroom home into its current floorplan with several more rooms, a four car garage, and several beautiful gardens. The home they built was the perfect sanctuary for them to escape the hustle and bustle of racing and work. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, and occasionally cruising. They visited many places together including Las Vegas, Louisiana, and every racetrack on the East Coast.
Gene is survived by his loving wife Diana Abbott, Mother Nancy Abbott, Father Buddy Abbott, Sister Gail Green, Son Tim Abbott, Daughter Heather Buller, Daughter Naomi Myerson, and three grandchildren Dezarae, Emma, and Jake.
Memorial services will be held 4pm Monday September 13th at the Gainesville Raceway. The service will be officiated by Tom Ratliff on the Mid Track bleachers. The address is 11211 North County Road 225, Gainesville, Fl 32609.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made to Racers For Christ Division 2, 1250 East Baseline road Suite 101 Tempe, Arizona 85283. Memo Line; Gene Abbott Memorial. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
