He was born to Stephen Nelson Abbott and Florence Elizabeth Durrant April 16, 1949, in Provo, Utah. He was a brother to six siblings. Gary graduated from Springville High School in 1967.

Gary married Linda Behling November 10, 1972, in the Provo, Utah Temple and loved being a husband and a father of four sons and two daughters.

He worked hard for his family at Contractors Heating and Cooling Supply for many years. He was wood badge trained with the Scouts. He enjoyed making bread and cooking and took joy in sharing his creations with family and friends. Gary loved to keep up his Spanish speaking skills every chance he had.

Gary loved the Savior and the gospel and served faithfully: in the Southeast Mexico mission from 1968-1970, multiple bishopric and high council callings, Brigham Young University bishop, temple worker, and in 2016 serving in the Lansing, Michigan mission.

He is survived by his dedicated wife, Linda; children, Nelson (Heather) Abbott of Elk Ridge, Utah, Nathan (DeLinda) Abbott of American Fork, Utah, Emily (Kasey) Crawford of Lehi, Utah, Solinda (Nathan) Niles of 29 Palms, California, Kenneth – deceased (Tiffini) Abbott of Payson, Utah, and Jared (Shannon) Abbott of Spring Lake, Utah; 22 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two brothers and a sister.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Florence Abbott; stepmother, Mazie Shepherd Shell; brothers, Kenneth, Orland, and Paul; son, Kenneth Behling Abbott; in-laws, Rex and Thora Behling; and sister-in-law, Lois Behling Balhorn.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 West 800 South, Payson, Utah. Visitation will be held prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkermemorials.com