Carl (“Buster”) William Wabbersen Jr., of Sparr, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026 after a short illness.  The oldest of 7 siblings, he was born in Tampa, Florida on October 7, 1939.  He was 86 years old.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy (Gibson) Wabbersen; three children: Debbie Wabbersen of Ocala, FL, Tammy (Wabbersen) Hutchison (Scott) of Dade City, Florida, and Charles (“Chuck”) Wabbersen (Lisa) of Arlington, Texas; fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three siblings:  William (“Bill”) Wabbersen, Rosie Gerlach, and Connie Murphy.

He is predeceased by his parents Carl William Wabbersen (52), a sponge diver in Tarpon Springs, Patricia (Wabbersen) Cannick (98), a devoted caregiver, and three siblings:  Joanne (“Sis”) Wabbersen, Richard Wabbersen, and Tommy Wabbersen.

Buster graduated from Tarpon Springs High School in 1957, served four years in the United States Air Force, stationed mainly in Newfoundland as a military policeman.  He retired from Florida Power after 35 years of dedicated service.  He worked his way from apprentice to lineman, foreman, and troubleshooter.  He was on call 24/7 to restore power, even in the worst weather conditions.  

He was an outdoorsman who grew up boating, fishing and hunting with his cousins, brothers, and friends.  He especially loved turkey hunting.  He was a jack-of-all-trades and built nearly every aspect of his home in Sparr.  He coached little league for many years, and was a Florida Gators football fan.  He liked to tell stories and jokes, enjoyed old-time country and bluegrass music, as well as camping, hosting cookouts, and spending time with family and friends.

Services for Buster will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Chapel at 910 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL.  Visitation will begin at 10am, Celebration of Life at 11AM, and a committal service at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 1:30PM.  

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Buster to Wounded Warriors or Tunnels to Towers.