George Abbey (NASA)

George Abbey
Black and white photograph of a middle-aged man with brush-cut hair, wearing a dark-colored suitcoat and necktie, and a white dress shirt
George Abbey
Born(1932-08-21)August 21, 1932
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
DiedMarch 24, 2024(2024-03-24) (aged 91)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Occupations
  • NASA Administrator
  • United States Air Force pilot
Known forDirector of the Johnson Space Center
Spouse
Joyce Widerman
​
​
(m. 1955; div. 1980)​
Children5

George William Samuel Abbey (August 21, 1932 – March 24, 2024) was an American NASA administrator and United States Air Force pilot. Graduating from the Air Force Institute of Technology as an electrical engineer, he then served in the United States Air Force and the Apollo program. He subsequently became director of flight crews for the Space Shuttle, then director of the Johnson Space Center. Honors include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, three NASA Distinguished Service Medals and the 1970 Presidential Medal of Freedom.