Ronald K. Abe

Ronald K. Abe, 71, entered into rest on Saturday, December 18, 2010.

Dr. Abe was born on September 17, 1939 in Hilo, Hawaii, where he grew up a happy, generous and kind child. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from High School in 1957 and subsequently received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Production from the University of Hawaii, a Master of Science from Kansas State University, and a PhD from Kansas State University.

He began his teaching career at Fort Valley State University in 1968 where he became renowned for his research in earth worms and rabbits. He had a major influence in the reconstruction of FVSU farm (landscaping and design). In the early 70's, he was Acting Chairman of the Department of Agriculture in which he was particularly active in the development of the FVSU farm. Within the Abe family, Ronald abided by the traditional Japanese traditions and, as a son, expected to be waited upon and given preferential treatment from his mother and sisters, regardless of his being the youngest. Abe was a third generation Japanese-American "sansei". He was a superb and creative cook and, in his later years, loved to cook for others. His parents, Kanichi Abe and Sugayo Abe, and brothers, Harold K. Abe and George Abe, preceded him in death.

He will forever live in the hearts of his wife, Hazel Abe, Fort Valley; son, Dr. Vernard Hodges and wife, Dr. Belinda Stephens-Hodges, Warner Robins; grandson, Vernard Hodges, II, Warner Robins; sisters, Janet Chin (John), Ethel Tsue (Kiku) and Nancy Bauer (Ronald); sister-in-law, Allaine Abe; brothers and sisters in law, Richard Hodges (Zenobia); Mary Hodges; Shirley Walker (John); Josephine F. Anderson (Sanford); Joe Hodges; Jermone Napier; aunts and uncle; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088