James Edward Abney

James “Jim” Edward Abney, 83, of Raleigh died on March 30, 2017. Jim was born and raised in Alabama, the youngest of five children to his parents, the late John and Berta Abney. He began his career working for NASA in the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Soon after, he began working at IBM. When the IBM location in Huntsville closed, he relocated with his family to Raleigh where he eventually retired.

Jim was a Mason for more than 50 years and was a member of Cary Masonic Lodge number 198 in Cary, NC. He was also a devoted member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Raleigh for almost forty years. Jim had many hobbies that he enjoyed over his lifetime such as flying small airplanes, fishing, trap shooting and boating. He loved making people laugh.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Arnita Oaks Abney; son, David Abney and his wife, Marsha; daughter, Amy Tew and her husband, Chase; and grandchildren, Karlye Abney, Cooper Tew and Addison Tew. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 3, 2017 from 5:00-8:00pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 11:00amat Ephesus Baptist Church, 6767 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Flowers are welcomed, or donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Ephesus Baptist Church Building Fund.