ALi Zia Abed

Ali Zia (Mick) Abed died on Sunday, February 4, 2018, after a lingering illness. He was born in Paris, France on November 15, 1934. His young years were spent in Paris until World War II when he moved to Nice, France where he helped his mother assisting downed and escaped allies to get to Switzerland and Spain where they could be safe for the remaining war years. Mick fought in the Korean War with the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star. He then became a Deputy Sheriff in East Baton Rouge Parish for seven years, after which he completed graduate work at Louisiana State University before joining the faculty there. He remained at LSU for 17 years, becoming Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

He worked in sales for Forney Industries for 14 years prior to his retirement. For the last 20 years before coming to Blowing Rock in 2003, he hosted an award winning radio talk show featuring Cajun music on WYNK in Baton Rouge. Mick was always known for his out-going personality and his great affection for his family and friends. He had a special feeling for the military and was proud to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to our country on his radio show.

Mick was also a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner.

On January 18, 2003, he married Victoria Rosemond Appell of Blowing Rock, NC and is survived

by her and 6 children from prior marriages: Nicholas Cardona of Denham Springs, LA; Monique Champagne of Jackson, MS; Michael Neal Abed (and wife, Cindy) of Baton Rouge, LA; Michelle Marie Connelly of Baton Rouge, LA; Nicole Nanette Abed of Dallas, TX; and Captain Timothy Connelly of Ruston, LA of the US Army. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Alaina Abed and Braedon Abed of Baton Rouge, LA and Sarah Champagne of New York City; Caleb Connelly and Emmalynn Connelly of Ruston, LA.

A private burial service will be held for the family on a later date in Jennings, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Red Cross of Watauga County, 331 Queen Street, Boone, NC 28607.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ali Zia Abed