Abbott L. Ferriss

Abbott Lamoyne Ferriss (1915-2014)

Born January 31, 1915 in Jonestown, Mississippi, and passed away peacefully on March 12, 2014, in Gainesville, Georgia. Preceded in death by wife Ruth Sparks Ferriss and brother AW Ferriss. Survived by sons John (Helena) and Will (Adrienne), grandsons Ashley (Dani), Nathaniel, Adam, and David, great grandsons Riley and Morgan, and dear friend Rosemary W. Dodd.




Professor Emeritus of Emory University and a renowned sociologist, his work focused on social indicators and quality of life, also contributing to studies in military sociology, recreation, the family, education, the status of women, and civility. His work with the WPA resulted in a legacy of original recordings of music and photographs from the Mississippi delta in the 1930s. A veteran of WWII, he served in China and the Far East.



In addition to his professional activities, his interests spanned art, painting, music, theater, hiking, camping, world travel, the Episcopal Church, and most importantly, his family.



The president of national professional organizations, editor of many academic publications, and author of professional books and articles, his last book, Approaches to Improving the Quality of Life, was published in 2010 at the age of 95. He received his PhD from UNC