Jack Mastin Abbott, 83, longtime Jacksonville resident and member of "the Greatest Generation", passed from this life to life eternal on Maonday, Feb. 18, 2008. He was born in Jacksonville on April 2, 1924, to parents Clyde Bronson and Martha Ardell (Fenley) Abbott. He graduated Saluatorian of Jacksonville High School Class of '41. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Abbott enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He was a member of the of the 449th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force and flew 50+ missions in North Africa and Italy in WW II, earning several medals for bravery including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return to the US, he married Dorothy Geraldine (Feagin) Abbott in 1945. After his release from the Army at teh end of WW II, they settled in Jacksonville. Abbott worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 39 years. In addition, he operated numerous business endeavors in the area--taxi business, feed store, Gulf service station, and broiler house operation, as well as building and operating rental properties in the area. In 1951, Abbott was recalled to the service to his country for the duration of the Korean War, attaining the rank of Captain. Abbott was a charter member of Beall Chapel Baptist Church, and was ordained a deacon there. He was active in church work, teaching Adult Sunday School, and could be found working quietly behind the scenes in various areas of the service until his health failed. He was a 50-year member of the International Order of Odd Fellows. Abbott was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Feagin Abbott and his daughter, Nam Abbott Cooper. He is survived by his loving wife and companion, Rubie Frazier Abbott; children, James C. (Buddy) Abbott and wife Kathy, and Glenn Frazier and wife Jerrie, all of Jacksonvile. Daughters surviving are Jane Knight and husband Curt of Baytown, Jackie Spraggins and husband Mike of Dialville, Debbie White and husband Larry of Tecula, Patty Ward and husband Glen of Plano, and Christie Trantham of Jacksonville. In additon he is survived by grandchildren, Richard and Mendi Cooper, Ronnie and Michelle Cooper all of Henderson, Brett and Cara Burroughs of San Antonio, Jennifer and James Townsend of Spring, Bryan and Donna Burroughs of Highlands, Jana and Will Hodges of Carrollton, Emily and Chad Cauble of Dallas, Michael and Rachel Spraggins of Springtown, Lauren and Amanda Abbott, Schott and Melissa Frazier, Chizuru Frazier, Stacy Frazier and Sean Frazier all of Jacksonville, Mitchell White of Troup, T.J. White of Tyler, Steven Fraizer of Maryland, Erin and Kelsey Ward of Plano and Whiteny and Cooper Trantham of Jacksonville. His 16 great-grandchildren are Taylor Cooper, Ashley and Kyle Burroughs, Christian Stathopoulos, Ivy Grace Townsend, Tzvi and Xavier Burroughs, Gracey, Wyatt and Sawyer Spraggins, Brandt Hodges, Sharon Davis, Alyssa White, Amy White and Cody and Clay Frazier. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home of Jacksonville, with Rev. Bill Rambo and Rev. Ken McEachern officating. Burial will follow in Jarratt Cemetery.