Mr. Abney was preceded in death by his father James (Doc) M. Abney, Sr. and his mother Ruby Harmon Abney, and his sister Carolyn Abney.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years Merry LeGrear Abney of LaFayette, Al., Sons-James M. Abney, III (Cynthia) of LaFayette, Al., John M. Abney (Rachael) of Stella, N.C., Daughters-DeLaine Ann Truman (Tony) of Atlanta, Ga., Jenifer M. Bauer (Jay) of Springfield, Va., 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.