In 1965 he began organized quartet music playing for the Pine Ridge Boys later joining the Palmetto State Quartet. In 1971 he joined the Kingsmen Quartet. In late 1973 he organized the Winkler’s Grove Quartet while serving as pianist for the church. In the eighties he was pianist for the Meetin’ Time Quartet and Tarheel State Quartet. He also worked with Charles Burke in the Men of Music. For the past twenty-four years, he faithfully served Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church in Hickory, NC as Minister of Music/ pianist.
His love of southern gospel quartet music drove him to work with talents throughout the region while focusing on “doing it right or not at all”
He was also an accomplished piano tuner, having been an instrumental technician at Grand Piano Company for many years.
Greg Fox of the Kingsmen said, “A huge part of the “Ton of Fun” moved on to his reward today. Charles Abee … what a man , what a piano player , what a friend and a true Kingsmenin ever meaning of the word !!! I’ll miss you and see you at the house.”
Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church shares, “We will forever be grateful for his ministry, and his legacy of praise will live on in the hearts of all who worshiped alongside him. Through his dedication, talent, and love for the Lord, Charles touched countless lives and brought the presence of God into our sanctuary time and time again. While we deeply mourn his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the knowledge that he is now singing in Heaven’s choir.”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15”
Services for Charles Abee will be on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church, 3320 9th Ave Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601, with receiving of friends from 1:00 to 1:45. The Life Celebration service is at 2pm. The family will also receive friends immediately following the service.
Remember the Abee family in your prayers. His two sons, Shane and Brooks, with their families, thanks you for your prayers in this time of loss.