Gregory Thomas Abramson

Greg was born on February 12, 1957 in Florence, Alabama as the first son of Bill and Sue Abramson. He earned an associate’s degree in construction management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1977.

Following graduation, Greg began working alongside his grandfather, father, uncle, and brother in the highway construction business. Greg’s career spanned the next 43 years, where he built strong partnerships in the road building community and cultivated one of the southeast’s leading highway construction companies, Abramson, LLC. He was instrumental in bringing slip form technology for constructing concrete curb, gutter, and barriers to Alabama. He and his company were integral parts of road-way projects in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia, while also constructing projects for automobile manufacturers, railroads, seaports, and airports.

Greg was committed to the promotion of the road building industry in Alabama. He was president of the Alabama Road Builders Association in 2008 and was currently serving on the ARBA board of directors. He served on multiple ARBA committees throughout the years and participated in legislative efforts resulting in highway revenue increases. He was highly respected by coworkers, colleagues, and even competitors for these efforts.

Greg was admired by many for his work ethic, humility, loyalty, generosity, and kindness; however, he will be most remembered for the way in which he built relationships with others. Intensely loyal and dedicated, Greg was known for his strong friendships and the way he loved those around him. He was deeply respected by others for always bringing a sense of fairness to any situation.

Greg was calm, pragmatic, and steady, but also incredibly friendly, warm-hearted and humorous. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Greg and his wife Cindy were married for 25 years after being reluctantly set up on a blind date by a mutual friend who knew them both well. The date was a success, and Greg and Cindy’s relationship deepened quickly. They were best friends as well as partners, and together they built a life rich with adventurous travel, good food, and fun.

Greg had an incredibly special and close relationship with his daughter and prioritized this above all else. He was adored by his four grandchildren and he never missed an opportunity to take them fishing or read them a story.

In his social circle, Greg was the quintessential adventurer and group leader. Passionate about traveling and fishing, no one could plan a trip like Greg. “Just follow Greg,” his friends would say, as he always thought of everything and covered every base. If you were traveling with Greg, you were in for something very special.

Greg is preceded in death by his father, William Thomas Abramson, and brother, William Alan Abramson. He is survived by his mother, Sue Abramson; wife, Cindy Abramson; daughter, Abby Abramson Venker (Sam Venker); stepdaughter, Katie Vines Craig (Eric Craig); and grandchildren, Allie Greer Venker, Luke James Venker, William Vincent Venker, and Ritter Allen Craig.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. Visitation is open to all who wish to attend. Face masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will apply. Following the visitation, a private memorial service for family will be held in the chapel at The Church of the Highlands where Greg and Cindy were members. A public live stream of the service can be viewed on the Facebook page of Cindy Abramson.

A graveside service for immediate family will be held the following day, Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Cemetery in Florence, Alabama.

Greg was passionate about helping advance Ocular Melanoma research and it was his wish that loved ones donate to this cause in his memory. In lieu of flowers, Greg asked that donations go to the specific fund that his personal doctor is involved with. To make a donation, please visit http://cfeastalabama.org and click on “Ocular Melanoma Research Fund.”