Benjamin Louis Abraham, Jr., 87, of Harlan passed away on Monday, December 10, 2012 at Tri-Cities Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on November 10, 1925 to Ben L. Abraham, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Penley Abraham. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Jones Abraham, and one sister, Dorothy Abraham Thomas. He was a member of Harlan Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughter Lisa Abraham of Harlan, and his two sons Todd (Denise) of Harlan, and Rodney (Debbie) of Richmond, Kentucky; his three grandchildren, Abbey, Ben and Adam Abraham, of Harlan; his sister Joyce Horn, Corbin; and his brother Bill Abraham of Wallins. Many nephews and nieces also survive.

Mr. Abraham was a graduate of Wallins High School, and is still remembered as a standout athlete in basketball and football. He was also a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in business education, and of Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education, along with Rank I, Principal, and Superintendent Certifications. Mr. Abraham began his teaching career in 1950 at Loyall High School, where he was also a basketball and football coach. He was later the Business Education Supervisor for the Harlan County Board of Education. In 1968, he became Program Coordinator for Region 13 of the Kentucky Department of Vocational Education, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. He was also the owner of the well-known Black Diamond Restaurant during the 1950’s and 60’s.

Mr. Abraham served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. During basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, he won many medals for marksmanship, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in charge of rifle training. He remained at Fort Hood for the duration of his enlistment.

Known for his love of fishing, Mr. Abraham spent many days on many lakes from Florida to Canada. His favorite fishing place was Cherokee Lake in Rutledge, Tennessee. He enjoyed many trips to his second home there, hosting family and friends who shared his enthusiasm for fishing.

Visitation for Mr. Abraham will be on Friday, December 14th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Harlan Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Brandon Pugh and Rev. Greg Abraham officiating.

Graveside services will be on Saturday, Dec. 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery Chapel. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery chapel.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Blanton, Jeff Brock, Mike Forester, David Hill, Tim Saylor, and nephews Brad Abraham, Greg Abraham and Bo Lee.

Condolences may be left at www.harlanobits.net

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Abraham family.