Derek Joshua Abbott

United States Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott passed away on February 23, 2024 during his final training flight.

Abbott was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and grew up in Fulton, Mississippi. As a child, he lived with his parents, his older brother, Danny, and Uncle Charles. Abbott considered his brother a role model and the pair were very close. Anything his big brother wanted to do, Abbott was doing, whether it was playing in the house or the yard, or being mischievous in the woods. Abbott loved playing with Legos, playing baseball and collecting baseball cards. He and his wife, Brandi, were childhood sweethearts. They met in the 3rd grade and ran back into each other at an Ole Miss/MSU game in 2005, Abbott the State fan and Brandi the Ole Miss fan. Abbott texted Brandi in February of 2006 “Hey beautiful” and the rest fell into God’s hands.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Abbott decided to join the US Army National Guard on December 27, 2002 to help where he could. Abbott loved serving, protecting and flying. As his career developed, all he wanted to do was provide and make sure his family was taken care of. Throughout his time of service, Abbott received many accolades, including an Air Medal with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, and many other decorations and awards. Abbott also quickly rose through ranks and promotions. Abbott’s family got to hug and kiss him before they watched him take off for his final training flight. As he was headed back, God called him to his heavenly home.

Brandi currently lives in Mississippi with their children. She enjoys traveling, writing and spending time with their kids. She is active within her community and schools, planning events and fundraisers, and serving at Church. In the future, she looks forward to continuing in her faith and knowing God has a plan. Receiving the donation from Tunnel to Towers has provided hope to Brandi and the kids, as the Foundation and the community are there to support the family in their journey. Their home is their safe place and they are so thankful for all that has been done. For others, it’s important to know how Abbott loved God, his family and the people around him. He always saw the best in everyone he met with unwavering love and faith. It is evident that he lived his life with love.

United States Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott is survived by his wife, Brandi, his two sons, Chandler Wood and Grayson, his daughter Breanna, his mother, his father, and his brother.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Abbott family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.