Atlanta – Dr. James "Jim" Abney, Jr., age 81, died Wednesday, January 20, 2021in Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cochran, Georgia, with military honors.

Dr. Abney, born in Macon, Georgia, was the son of the late James Marion Abney, Sr. and Nannie Mae Lockeby Abney. After being raised in Cochran, Georgia and Melbourne, Florida, where he graduated from high school, Jim went on to attend Emory University in Atlanta for his undergraduate studies and dental school. Dr. Abney was SAE at Emory University. Following completion of his dental program, and while completing his internships, he served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Groton, CT. Dr. Abney then taught for years at the Emory Dental school, after graduating and starting his practice in Marietta, GA.

In addition to his active dental practice, Dr. Abney was busy as President of the Smyrna Rotary Club for years. He later became President at the Atlanta Country Club and was instrumental in bringing the Atlanta Golf Classic to the club before its' name change and subsequent move. For a couple of years, Jim was also President of the Touchdown Club at Wheeler High School. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Jim volunteered to provide dentistry services to participating athletes. He so enjoyed this experience and loved sharing his stories with many. He attended St. Ann Catholic Church in Marietta, GA. Dr. Abney had immense love for his patients; his country; his running, golf, hunting and football; his Catholic faith; and his family! His favorite book was Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. One of Jim's favorite quotes from the novel was "If you don't know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn".

He is survived by his sister, Martha Ann Abney Hamilton of Lithonia, GA; his three daughters, Marian Lynn Abney of Peachtree Corners, GA; Katie McConnell of Cumming, GA; Evan (Ryan) Cowart of Savannah, GA; and step-son Holt (Kelly) Lowe of Greenwood, MS; and nine grandchildren: Hampton and Heath McConnell, Katelynn Palloto, Emma-James and Mary-Alan Cowart and Jill Taylor, Madelyn, Jackson and Crews Lowe as well as many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, his daughters ask that donations be made in memory of Dr. Abney to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in his name.

The family will greet friends after the service Friday at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cochran.