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Alan Alexander Abis

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Alan Alexander Abis

Birth
London, City of London, Greater London, England
Death
20 Jun 2015 (aged 86)
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA
Burial
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Alan Alexander Abis of Memphis, Tennessee passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 20, 2015 after a long illness. Alan was born in London, England to Sophie Isaacs Abis and Joseph Abis. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Myrna Abis, daughters JoJo Weiss (Martin), Annie Dragutsky, and son Barney (Caren) Abis. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Jason (Katherine) Abis, Andrew Abis, Matthew Abis, Brian (Erin) Dragutsky, Alyssa Dragutsky, Demi (David) Yaffe, Sophie Weiss, and great-grandchildren Jacob Abis and Banks Yaffe. Alan came to America at age 17 following his sister of blessed memory Sonia Faye. Shortly thereafter his parents Sophie and Joe came to America. A loving husband, brother, son, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cousin, Alan was very proud and very much loved and admired by his family. He served in the U.S. Army as sergeant first class in the Korean War. There he also entertained troops telling jokes and pantomiming records. He met his wife, Myrna, while attending the University of Alabama in the mid 50's. He began his career in America as a tailor for Julius Lewis and Goldsmith's Department store. He also performed his pantomime routines at venues such as the Peabody Hotel, Hotel King Cotton, The Gayoso Hotel and the Eagle's Nest. At Goldsmith's he quickly moved up the ranks from tailor, to salesman in the boy's department, as buyer for men's sportswear and furnishings and created the 1-2-3 Shop. While entertaining he became friends with Jim Stewart who played fiddle in a country music band. Eventually, Jim went on to found Stax Records. Jim convinced Alan to open his own men's store with his financial backing. Alan Abis Unique Men's Store was created. Alan was a brilliant merchant and brought ground breaking fashions to the otherwise traditional South. He pushed the boundaries in advertising and fashion. His unusual radio commercials won awards. The two remained partners and friends for decades. Upon retirement, Alan and Myrna traveled extensively. No destination was too exotic for them to visit. When his health prevented them from traveling they enjoyed being surrounded by their loving family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 22 at the Temple Israel Danziger Chapel, 1376 E. Massey Road, followed by burial in the Temple Israel Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity of your choice. Canale Funeral Directors (Published in The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN, on June 22, 2015)
Alan Alexander Abis of Memphis, Tennessee passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 20, 2015 after a long illness. Alan was born in London, England to Sophie Isaacs Abis and Joseph Abis. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Myrna Abis, daughters JoJo Weiss (Martin), Annie Dragutsky, and son Barney (Caren) Abis. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Jason (Katherine) Abis, Andrew Abis, Matthew Abis, Brian (Erin) Dragutsky, Alyssa Dragutsky, Demi (David) Yaffe, Sophie Weiss, and great-grandchildren Jacob Abis and Banks Yaffe. Alan came to America at age 17 following his sister of blessed memory Sonia Faye. Shortly thereafter his parents Sophie and Joe came to America. A loving husband, brother, son, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cousin, Alan was very proud and very much loved and admired by his family. He served in the U.S. Army as sergeant first class in the Korean War. There he also entertained troops telling jokes and pantomiming records. He met his wife, Myrna, while attending the University of Alabama in the mid 50's. He began his career in America as a tailor for Julius Lewis and Goldsmith's Department store. He also performed his pantomime routines at venues such as the Peabody Hotel, Hotel King Cotton, The Gayoso Hotel and the Eagle's Nest. At Goldsmith's he quickly moved up the ranks from tailor, to salesman in the boy's department, as buyer for men's sportswear and furnishings and created the 1-2-3 Shop. While entertaining he became friends with Jim Stewart who played fiddle in a country music band. Eventually, Jim went on to found Stax Records. Jim convinced Alan to open his own men's store with his financial backing. Alan Abis Unique Men's Store was created. Alan was a brilliant merchant and brought ground breaking fashions to the otherwise traditional South. He pushed the boundaries in advertising and fashion. His unusual radio commercials won awards. The two remained partners and friends for decades. Upon retirement, Alan and Myrna traveled extensively. No destination was too exotic for them to visit. When his health prevented them from traveling they enjoyed being surrounded by their loving family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 22 at the Temple Israel Danziger Chapel, 1376 E. Massey Road, followed by burial in the Temple Israel Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity of your choice. Canale Funeral Directors (Published in The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN, on June 22, 2015)


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