Abraham William Kassis

Abe grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, spending the early years of his life living above his family’s grocery store. Abe was the son of George and Mary Ellen Soffey Kassis and the eldest sibling of George and Martha Kassis. After graduating from Gulfport High School, Abe attended Mississippi State University and received a bachelor's degree in accounting and banking in 1960. He then joined the U.S. Army, serving for eight years. He became a captain and worked as a Chief Accountant for the 3rd Army while on active duty. In 1963, he married his wife Julia “Julie” Ann Moore with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they traveled the world and gained many stories to share, despite the fact that one’s memory always differed in the slightest from the others’ about each adventure.

Abe and Julie had one son, Mark Abraham Kassis in 1966. While his son was growing up, Abe always challenged him to win fair and square and work hard, which instilled an important mindset in Mark that he has valued and benefited from. Abe was known as “Giddy” to his two grandchildren, Kathleen “Katie” Kassis and Kimberly Kassis, the name a nod to his Lebanese heritage. For his grandchildren, a weekend with Giddy meant learning about his love for banking through the game of Monopoly and participating in his favorite hobby, golf, by competing in a mini golf tournament.

Abe worked at Lockheed Martin for 38 years, moving through the ranks as a leader to become the Vice President of Finance. Upon his retirement, he was eager to spend time with his first grandchild and take on the role of doting grandfather. Abe contributed to his community through volunteer work. Continuing to use his finance skills, he volunteered with LGE credit union for 30 years, serving as the board chairman for 2 years and as the treasurer for 10 years. He was also active within St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roswell, Georgia. He was a member for 28 years and was a participant in the Knights of Columbus for 27 years.

As serious as Abe could be at work, he could be equally fun at home, stocking his pool with water guns for summer and always asking restaurants if they had rum raisin ice cream– his favorite– until it became a 20-plus year-long running joke. Abe wore a hat he bought in Paris for a decade simply because his grandchildren recommended it for him and he liked being reminded of traveling with them.

Abe loved his family. He was always a phone call away, happy to help, and an invaluable member of his loved ones' lives due to his ability to make you laugh and offer sound advice all at once. He is survived by his wife Julie Kassis, son Mark Kassis, daughter-in-law Mary Kassis, granddaughters Kathleen Kassis and Kimberly Kassis, and brother George Kassis.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 11th, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roswell, Georgia. Visitation is from 1:00 - 1:30 and the service is at 1:30. There will be a reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roswell, Georgia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Kassis family.