Lendel D. Abbott

Lendel Dalton Abbott of Maryville, Tennessee Passed April 25, 2024 at home under hospice care. Lendel was born March 23, 1936. He is survived by his wife, Helen Shultz Abbott (Gardner) of 44 years and her family including Trevis, Candice, Libby, Bekah and Logan, also Lendel's granddaughter Shauniece Abbott. Also survived by siblings Malynda Abbott and Judith Hill as well as their children.

Lendel was preceded in death by his son Steve, grandson Jimmy, his parents Stanley Earnest and Bertha Tipton Abbott, and five other siblings. His extended family and treasured friends include: Philip and Cheryl Parker, Gary and Jacqueline Schlangen, Ruby Schlangen, Ethan Parker, Rick Lambert, Terry and Linda Bray, Glen Arthur, Jerry Hughes, Sheila Gibbs, many nieces, nephews, cousins and community members.

He authored two published books, "Born Too Late", and also "Cade Cove Tennessee, My Stories and Our Heritage" that featured the rich history and culture of Cades Cove and the East

Tennessee Appalachian community with first-hand accounts of the rich culture and traditions of

the families of Cades Cove and the East Tennessee Appalachian Culture.

He found expression of his self-taught creative talents as self-taught artist. Lendel expressed his

creativity through many hundreds of hand-carved pieces from signature fireplace mantles to

unique squirrels from peach seeds, all that reflected his rich Appalachian and local mountain

culture. He was featured as part of the extra cast of the television production series Cristy in

1994. Lendel was a noted artisanal craftsman recognized for his skill in masonry, Lendel's

craftsmanship in stone, brick, and block masonry were noted and respected. On many occasions he also accompanied storytellers Dwight Atchley, Sam Venable, and Bill Landry with stories unique to the people and culture of East Tennessee.

The family and loved ones express their deep gratitude to the dedicated care staff of Blount

Memorial Hospital including the Emergency Room, 4 North and South Team, Dr Mark Green, Dr Pacifico, Dr Budayr, Dr Wright Dr Skinner and supporting staff.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to the Palliative Care & Hospice Fund of the Blount

Memorial Foundation, 907 East Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804 are recommended.

Family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.   Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM with Rev. Greg Long and Dr. Ethan Parker officiating.  Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.