On August 31, 2022, Brigadier General (Ret) Richard F. Abel accepted his final assignment and flew away to heaven, his forever home. He lived life to the fullest while here on earth.

Dick believed in and received the atoning gift of Christ through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while coaching football at the Air Force Academy. He served our nation in the Air Force for 30 years. His achievements include being a jet instructor pilot who led an Air Force acrobatic team before entering the very first astronaut class. He escorted the first group of POWs from Vietnam as well as the last, and three others in between. He finished his career as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and finally as Director of Public Affairs for the Air Force.

In "retirement," Dick continued to serve in the areas he loved; Christ, athletics, and service men and women. He served on the US Olympic Committee, then became President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and finally served as Executive Director of Military Ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ.

Dick later founded Leadership Is All About People, led many leadership seminars, and wrote 4 books on leadership and family.
His pride & joy are his beloved wife, Ann, of 65 years, his 4 children, 19 grandchildren, and 8 greats! He loved and was loved by too many to mention here. Above all, he loved Jesus.

We salute you General Abel and look forward to seeing you again when we too fly away to Heaven.

A celebration of life service will be held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton, Virginia on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations may be made in honor of Dick Abel to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Military Ministry of Cru. Written tributes may be submitted via www.wjsmithandson.com.