Joe Bert Abston

Joe Bert Abston, age 87, of
Little Rock, AR, passed away on
May 19, 2026. Born on July 14,
1938, near Vernon, TX, Joe was
the youngest son of Hubert and
Edna Abston. Joe was a loving
and faithful husband to his wife
Nancy for 66 years and deeply
loved his four sons and their
wives and families, including ten
grandchildren and twelve greatgrandchildren. He will be remembered as a Christian
husband that loved his family and served others.
On Sept. 13, 1958, Joe married Nancy Ramsey in
a ceremony at her parents’ home in Vernon. Upon
marriage, Joe and Nancy lived in Lubbock, TX while
Joe attended Texas Tech University. Upon Joe’s
graduation with an Accounting degree in May 1960,
they moved to Dallas where Joe started working for
the CPA ¿ rm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co (now
KPMG). They transferred to the Honolulu, HI o൶ ce
(1964-1967) before returning to the Dallas o൶ ce. He
was admitted to the partnership in 1972. In 1982, they
relocated to Little Rock where he became the Partner
In Charge of the Audit Practice until his retirement in
1991.
Joe was an active member and Past President of the
Rotary Club of North Irving, TX and West Little Rock.
He served on the Accounting Advisory Council and was
honored as a Distinguished Alumni by the Accounting
Department of Texas Tech University. He served as
Treasurer for several years on the Board of Pleasant
Valley Country Club. He was a Deacon and faithfully
attended the Church of Christ throughout his life.
In retirement Joe and Nancy enjoyed the mountain
beauty from their home in Breckenridge, CO. Some of
our fondest family memories are the winter and summer
trips to Colorado. They also traveled with family and
friends extensively in the US, including Alaska and
Hawaii, and in various places in Europe.
Joe and Nancy made deep lifelong friendships in
Irving, Honolulu, and Little Rock. He enjoyed attending
Dallas Cowboy games as a season ticket holder, playing
golf, ¿ shing, and snow skiing until age 80. He made it a
priority to support and attend sporting events and other
activities of his sons and his grandchildren. Joe and
Nancy enjoyed having the family together for holidays
and special events.
Joe lived a life of selÀ ess service and caring
for his family. He leaves a legacy reÀ ective of his
Christian lifestyle, strong work ethic and integrity, and
commitment to family as a loving husband and father.
His example and guidance positioned his sons and their
families for success in life. Joe will be missed by his
family and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his
brother Donald Abston, and his parents Hubert and
Edna Abston.
Joe is survived by his sister Frances Baker of Searcy,
AR, his four sons (and daughters-in-law) Larry Abston
(Connie) of The Woodlands, TX; Chris Abston (Lynne)
of Rogers, AR; Robert Abston (Kara) of Searcy, AR;
and Rodney Abston (Tracy) of Little Rock, AR. Joe is
also survived by his grandchildren Macy Gladu (Ryan),
Callie Feather (Jacob), Lauren Abston (Joseph), Alex
Abston, Elizabeth Abston, Heidi DeLong (Garrett),
Sara Abston, Blake Abston, David Abston, and Phillip
Abston. He also leaves a legacy to the twelve greatgrandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy.
A celebration of Joe’s life and visitation family will
be held at Pinnacle Church of Christ, Fellowship Hall at
2 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026.
A private family burial will occur in Vernon, TX.