Ralph Bruce Abel, 85, of Corpus Christi, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025. He was born to Ross and Dorothy (Rabke) Abel on January 23, 1940.
Bruce grew up in Cuero and had many stories about his youth. In high school and after, he especially enjoyed weekend dances in the area. He graduated from Cuero High School in 1958. Having no skills, plan, or money, he joined the Navy like his father. He said it was the best decision he had ever made.
In the Navy, Bruce made two six-month cruises to the Mediterranean aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga. He remembered the second cruise was life changing. He had matured and decided to tour Europe and the Middle East. Through these worldly travels, he decided he needed to get a college education.
After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, Bruce enrolled in Victoria College. There, he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in 1964. He then enrolled at Texas A&M University. While at A&M, Bruce was a member of the Accounting Society. He graduated top of his accounting class, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting in 1966.
After passing his CPA exam, Bruce joined the accounting firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. He was there from 1966 until 1970. He became Assistant Controller for Lichtenstein’s Department Store in March 1970 and was later promoted to Controller in April 1971. When Frost Brothers bought out Lichtenstein’s in 1972, Bruce moved to Whataburger. In 1979, he was promoted to Vice President and Controller. He retired in 1997 as CFO.
Bruce had many interests. He said the first time his Dad took him fishing, he was hooked. Bruce was extremely passionate about fishing, rarely missing a weekend to fish. He even built a cabin on a spoil island in the Laguna Madre to be closer to the water. He had a vegetable garden, traveled, took up photography, and collected coastal art. Later in life, he picked up golf and enjoyed playing it for many years. He was very proud of his work with GCCA, now CCA. He was a lifetime member.
He said his proudest moment was when his niece, Lisa, and then his daughter, Wendy, followed in his footsteps and graduated from Texas A&M.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harvey.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy (Craig Lifton) Abel; sister, Susan (Ken) Adams; brother, Brad Abel and beloved cousin Nancy (Wayne) Brackeen. He is also survived by his niece, Lisa (Elaine Gomez-Greenfield) Semper and nephews, Tim (Nancy) Adams, John Abel, and Austin (Geordian) Abel.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, 1:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University or the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA).
You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.
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