Arlen Richard "Tootie" Abee

Arlen Richard “Tootie” Abee, 70, of Valdese, NC passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 while surrounded by his family.  Born in Burke County, NC on June 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Herbert and Ruby Abee.  Tootie greatly enjoyed bluegrass music.  In the summer he was always found sitting on his front porch listening to it on the radio.  He was a former employee of Valdese Manufacturing and Hickory Hill.

Mr. Abee is survived by his daughter, Donna Carswell and her husband, Jerry, of Morganton; beloved grandchildren, Renee McNeely of the home, Christopher Carswell of Fountain, CO, Casey Brewer of Morganton, and Tyler Carswell of Morganton; beloved great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Bobby, Austin, Bethany, Keegan, and Koral; a step-grandson, Landon; two more grandchildren due in the coming months; a brother, Roy “Pete” Abee and his wife, Mary, of Charlotte, NC; and a number of nieces, nephews, and aunts.

In addition to his parents, Arlen was preceded in death by a son, Arlen “Richard” Abee, Jr.; a brother, Larry Abee; and a sister, Blenda Mosley.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2015 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with Pastor Johnny Shelton officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  At other times the family will be at the home of Mr. Abee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brown Mountain Baptist Church, 2046 Brown Mountain Beach Road, Morganton, NC 28655.