After his successful surgery, Clint transferred to South Georgia Junior College, where he continued playing the game he loved and learned from coaching greats, Wyatt Posey and Johnny Griffin. He was the starting center for the 1949 team that won the Junior Sugar Bowl (Junior College National Championship).
While at South Georgia Junior College, Clint met Jane Cook from Valdosta and they married in 1951, Clint went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. After graduating he started teaching and coaching at Griffin High School. In 1953, he accepted a position at R.E. Lee Institute as part of Head Coach Jim Cavan's new staff.
Clint was on the sidelines for the first game ever game played at Matthew's Field. In 1961 the Rebels hosted Valdosta, in the AAA State Championship game. The Rebels lost 34-13, but the community experienced pride like it had not seen in years. Several players made local history and four were selected as All Stars.
Clint helped the Rebels win 5 region titles (1961, 1965, 1967, 1970). A highlight of his career was being asked to coach the North Squad in the 1962 Georgia High School All Star game. He took over coaching the offensive line in 1964 and played a major role in bringing the Veer Offense to R.E. Lee. In 1970 the team gave Coach Cavan his first undefeated high school football season and the coveted region 6-AAA championship.
Clint diligently dedicated his time to the football program at R.E. Lee. When asked why he never accepted offers to coach anywhere else he replied that he considered it a privilege to be a part of one of the most respected programs in Georgia. He loved his players and cherished his time with Coach Cavan and longtime friend, Burns Pruett. He always said it was a pleasure to work with associates, Mac Arthur, Jim Franko, Ronald Johnson, Wallace Rhodes, Tommy Perdue, Red Bullock, Daryl Jones and team physician, Dr. Doug Head. He was proud to play part in many players and team trainers earning scholarships to major universities.
Clint filled many roles for the school, including driving the Rebel bus for all sports. He supported the basketball and baseball teams in anyway he could. Players recall many happy times on the Rebel bus. Clint was known for parking the bus in tight spots like the Varsity in Atlanta. Players remember his big boisterous laugh while driving.
Coach McAbee taught math and P.E. to many students in Upson County. He also taught hundreds of students to swim. He enjoyed golf and walking as well as watching all sports. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Clint is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Cook McAbee, parents, Walter Clinton McAbee and Nora Hays McAbee, brother, Daniel Holms McAbee, and sister Bonner McAbee Parris of Griffin.
Survivors include, his daughter, Lacy (Dick) Barnes of Thomaston, two sons, Criss (Kristi) McAbee of Thomaston, and Walt (Nancy) McAbee of Concord, grandchildren, Chase (Fiance' Becky) Barnes, Jane-Asher (Heath) English of Thomaston, Rhett (Cristy) McAbee of McDonough, Abby (Nathan) McClure of Augusta, John McAbee, and Patrick McAbee both of Tuscaloosa AL, great-grandchildren, Mckenzie English, Campbell English, Addison English, Brooks English, Calleigh McClure, Austin McClure, Caroline McClure and Reagan McAbee. A host of loving nieces and caregivers also survive.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from the Pavilion at The Gathering Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24, 2020 from the pavilion at The Gathering Church one hour prior to the service. We will be adhering to social distancing, but all are welcome to come.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Pass the Salt, First Baptist Church, 208 S Church St. Thomaston, GA 30286 or Thomaston Hospice at 512 S Center St. Thomaston, GA 30286
Coggins Funeral Home, 321 Hannahs Mill Road, Thomaston, GA 30286
706-647-9681
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