George Thomas Abell was born at Wakeeney, Kansas.  While attending Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University), he was a member of Gamma Omega, an honorary fraternity, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a social fraternity.  He graduated with degrees in civil and irrigation engineering and mechanical engineering. In 1927 he moved to Midland, Texas, where he trained himself as a geologist and entered the petroleum business as an independent oil operator.  In 1939, he married Gladys Hanger of Ft. Worth, the daughter of a pioneer Tarrant County family.

During his professional career, he was active in the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.  He was a charter member of the Permian Basin Petroleum Pioneers Association.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Abell was also active in many civic, community cultural, social, educational and historical activities. He was a member of the Board of Education of the Midland Independent School District.  He served as President of the Board during the construction of the present Midland High School auditorium.  As a result of these accomplishments, he was awarded a life membership in the Texas Congress of the Parent-Teacher Association.  He served as the Chairman of the first capital funds campaign for Midland Memorial Hospital and was a member of the hospital's Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.  A member of the Downtown Midland Rotary Club, he was recognized on numerous occasions for his contributions to the civic, cultural and educational betterment and growth of Midland.

George Abell devoted much time to the Boy Scouts of America, serving in various capacities in the Buffalo Trail Council.  He led the capital fund campaign which secured the 6,000 acre camp in the Davis mountains.  For his service to the Boy Scouts, he was awarded the highest recognition of the Boy Scouts, the Silver Beaver Award.

While serving as a director of the Midland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Abell originated the idea for the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame.  He spent much of his time and effort collecting antique oil field equipment now displayed on the Museum's grounds.  Many of the oil paintings of historical events which are on display in the Museum were researched by George and commissioned by the Abell-Hanger Foundation.  He was the first president of the Museum's board of trustees and is a member of the Hall of Fame.