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 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a Christian husband that loved his family and served others.

On September 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 firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co (now KPMG). They transferred to the Honolulu, HI office (1964-1967) before returning to the Dallas office. 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, fishing, 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 selfless service and caring for his family. He leaves a legacy reflective 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 great-grandchildren 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 on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

A private family burial will occur in Vernon, TX.