Anthony Abrams was born January 18, 1946 in Parker, Arizona. He was the third of 8 children, born to Margree Henry and Otis Lee Hogland. He died January 18, 2023 in Yucaipa, California at the age of 77.
Anthony Abrams grew up in Northern California, sadly his mom died when he was 13 years old. Anthony joined the Marines when he was 17 years old. Soon after Anthony joined the Marines, the Vietnam War began and Anthony served for four years (1963-1967). Anthony was in one of the first platoons to enter Vietnam and rose to the ranks of corporal during his four years of service.
Anthony's older brother Lee encouraged Anthony to start school with him at Grossmont College in El Cajon where he earned his AA degree. This was a huge achievement because he only had one year of high school. Anthony then moved to Lawndale and transferred to Dominguez Hills where he earned his BA in English Literature. While Anthony was finishing his BA degree he and his brother put an ad in the Penny Saver for a housekeeper. It was Darla who answered this ad! On Darla's first day on the job she was walking around the corner in the house and was surprised to see Anthony so she screamed – which scared Anthony and so he screamed too – it was scream at first sight! Anthony won Darla's heart through his poetry that he wrote for her.
Anthony was going to attend Cal State Long Beach for his Master's Degree and Anthony and Darla couldn't bear the idea of a long distance relationship (Lawndale to Long Beach) so they got married on August 30, 1973, after three months of knowing each other.
They had their first child, Jacinda, May 6, 1975. One day, Anthony took Jacinda to the park to play and they met someone with a daughter the same age and they became fast friends. The family shared with them about God and they became born again Christians. After a lot of prayer Anthony got a job for LA County and worked there for three years. While Anthony was working he was also working towards his Master's degree in English and a Minor in Behavioral Science. Anthony graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 1978 and on December 13, their second child, Laura was born.
Anthony applied for a job with the City of Los Angeles but it took almost a year for the job to come through. Losing hope, they moved to Redding for another job opportunity. After living there for just six months, Darla's parents received a letter regarding a start date for the job at the City of Los Angeles. Instead of calling they got in the car and drove from Lawndale to Redding to bring them back home! The Abrams Family then bought their first house in Lawndale. In 1984, James was born and they realized they had outgrown their little yellow house. In 1985, the Abrams Family moved to Torrance.
In 1989, Anthony and Darla's fourth child was born, Corey, and the Abrams Family was complete.
Anthony achieved the highest level (grade 5) in his career as a Senior Operator, passing many tests and earning the admiration and respect of all of his co-workers. Anthony retired after 40 years.
Throughout the kid's childhood, The Abrams Family attended Community Baptist Church (Journey of Faith). Anthony served as a deacon, and enjoyed helping teach Sunday School and helping Darla run the Nursery. Anthony was the baby whisperer, and always was in charge of the babies who had the most trouble leaving their parents.
Anthony was the best father who would do anything for his kids. He loved being a Dad and was incredibly proud of each and every one of them. He was an incredibly hands-on Dad, helping his kids practice for sports and music, and helping them with their homework. He attended all of their games and school events.
The Abrams Family enjoyed so many fun vacations; camping in El Capitan, Hiking to Rainbow Falls in Mammoth, Fishing on Lake Mary, Trips to Catalina, Trips to Visit Families in Colorado and Las Vegas, Going to the Nutcracker, Going to Mulligans and doing the batting cages and go-karts, family picnics at the park, horseback riding, bike rides on the strand, roller-skating, boogie boarding on beach days, sledding/tubing on trips to the snow.
Anthony and Darla welcomed Bryan Martin, Cory Lynn and Erika to the Abrams Family and he loved each of these new additions like his own children.
Anthony loved being a grandfather to his eight grandchildren. Trianna, Imogen, Arwen, Elias, Alayla, Max, Ember and Madelaine. Anthony was the most doting and patient grandfather ever! He loved being silly, reading books, singing songs, building trains, watching movies and going to the park with the kids.
Anthony was a devoted husband for 50 years. He loved Darla with his whole heart and did everything he could to make her happy!
Anthony loved His Lord and spent time in the Word each day and prayed for each of his kids and grandkids. He loved to read the Bible which he read from cover to cover several times. He never missed a chance to talk about his faith with others and point them towards the God that he loved so much. Anthony lived out his faith and was incredibly generous, willing to give his last dollar to anyone in need.
Anthony went through various health issues in the last few years and fought hard to stay here with us as long as possible. Through it all he continued to be the loving husband, father and grandfather to his family that he always had been.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Anthony's name to Reefsforlife.com.