Gerald Wayne Abrams, Sr.

Gerald Wayne Abrams, 78, of Pinetops, N.C., passed away at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville on  Friday, February 4, 2022.

Gerald was born in Edgecombe County on June 26, 1943. He was raised on the family farm near Crisp, N.C., where he learned the importance of working, providing for family, and contributing to community. He attended Crisp Elementary School and graduated from South Edgecombe High School in 1961 where he was an outstanding baseball and basketball player. He was recruited to play basketball at Oak Ridge Military School and later transferred to play at Pembroke College. 

Upon receiving his Batchelor Degree in Business from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson in 1965 he went to work for Carolina Telephone Company in the Engineering Department. Gerald was a man with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In 1974, while still working full time he and his wife Beth bought a small barbeque restaurant in Tarboro on St. James Street. Beth worked during the day and Gerald would go in early before his daytime job and then return after work to complete his night at Abrams Restaurant. In the years that followed he opened restaurants in Pinetops, Scotland Neck, Greenville, Ahoskie, Wilson and Windsor.  He then ventured into offsite caterings and Family Day Events for hospitals and companies. To complement the widespread catering and amusement services, he purchased ASAP Rental Business in Greenville. The majority of catering business has been in North and South Carolina and Virginia, but extended as far as Rhode Island and Florida. He loved going to work every day and encouraged others to find something they really enjoyed doing. He always attributed any success he had to his wife Beth, son Jerry, who helped him run the business, very dedicated and hardworking employees, good food, service and loyal customers.

Gerald was an excellent golfer (known for his great putting) and he loved the challenge of the game. He traveled near and far to play with his son Jerry, nephew Kevin and his large number of wonderful golfing buddies, winning many tournaments in which he participated. He also enjoyed traveling, whether on family vacations, going out to eat with friends and family or taking cruises with lifelong friends. In later years he began to collect antique cars in which he enjoyed riding with his family and friends.

Gerald was a member of Pinetops Baptist Church for most of his life.  He served as deacon and youth leader, as well as on many committees, most recently, the Pastoral Search Committee.

He had a heart for young people and made an impact on their lives through their employment at Abrams, sports, and social situations. The life lessons he shared will be remembered, but not limited to the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gerald’s generosity to others was well known by individuals, families in need, churches, law enforcement, organizations and many other situations. He also gave the gift of life by being an organ donor.  He always wanted to share with others some of the blessings he had received. His response to those in need was quick and unconditional. This was one of the qualities that endeared him to so many and for which he will be remembered.

His love for family was a lifelong passion but spending time with his grandchildren was among the happiest  of his life. Gerald’s legacy includes many things, but the support and love for family were paramount to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Abrams and Florence Moore Abrams and brother, James L. Abrams. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo Beth Abrams; son, Jerry (Bobbie Jo); daughter, Kathryn Dupree (Jon); grandchildren, Nate Webb, Hali Lassiter (Dillon), Kasi Evans (Isaiah), Harley Abrams, Jarin Abrams and Jaxon Abrams; nephew, loved like a son, Kevin Wooten and many other special nieces and nephews; sisters, Brenda Canady (Ron) and Linda McNeil (Duncan); sisters-in-law, Teresa Abrams and Rose Wooten-Daniel (Larry); and brothers-in-law, Henry York (Linda) and Carey York (Claudia).  He also leaves behind many beloved friends, especially Shane Barber, who lovingly chauffeured Gerald throughout the pandemic and his declining health.

Visitation will be held at Pinetops Baptist Church on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. The Service will be at Pinetops Baptist Church on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. and entombment will follow at Edgecombe Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Pinetops Baptist Church or your favorite charity.

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