Abell is Honoree of Rice Festival

Charles William Abell Jr., better known as ‘Chuck,” has been chosen as Honoree of the 2016 International Rice Festival, according to Elisabeth LeLeux, festival president. This year’s festival dates are Oct. 20 to 23.
Abell was born on April 23, 1948 to his parents Bill and Jackie Abell. He would be their first and only son followed by four sisters. Abell and his sisters grew up in the farming community of Welsh. He still calls Welsh home.
Abell spent many after school hours working in a variety of odd jobs mostly in the family business. After graduating from St. Paul’s High School of Covington and attending college, in September 1968 Abell married Dianna Richard of Jennings. Soon after they began their lives together Abell was drafted into service by the United States Army. During his service, he was deployed for a tour in Vietnam in 1969.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Abell returned home to join his father and grandfather in the family farm machinery business. The business soon grew to a five store dealership. Abell said, “No young man has ever been so lucky as to have Raymond and Bill Abell showing him the way”. Their guidance and experience paved the way for his success in continuing the family business.
Abell is the fourth generation owner of Abell and Son. This year he becomes the owner of a business that marks 100 years of being owned and operated by the same family. Abell’s great grandfather C. L. Abell started the business in 1916, and was followed by his son Raymond, grandson Bill, and great grandson Chuck in becoming a legend in the industry. Abell’s son Ryan now becomes the fifth generation Abell in the family business that has survived all the perils and changes of our farming way of life.
As his business grew so did Abell’s family. He and Dianna have three children, Charles W. Abell, III, Ryan Abell, and his daughter Allison Abell Logan. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren that is the joy of their lives.
Abell is a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the American Legion. Abell supported trips to the World War II Museum for elderly veterans. He has served 15 years of service as commissioner and president of Jeff Davis Parish Drainage Board 9, and the Welsh Chamber of Commerce. He is a two-term member of the board of directors of the Deep South Equipment Association. Abell is a hunter education instructor. He is a third generation Rotarian and a Paul Harris recipient. He continues to enjoy hunting, golf, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Abell was recognized Saturday evening at the IRF Honoree Social and Queen’s Ball held at the Rice Festival Building.