Harold ABRAMS

ABRAMS, Harold Harold Eugene Abrams passed away at age 81 on June 22, 2014, his 56th wedding anniversary. Hal was a trusted and selfless advisor and counselor to generations of attorneys, leading executives, and community leaders. Hal was a supportive mentor, business partner, and loyal friend. Besides watching the Atlanta Braves and Michigan football, his greatest satisfaction in life came from his family-his beloved wife Nancy, their children Shari and Gary Marx and Eric and Deirdre Abrams, and his adoring grandchildren Lauren, Brian, Jeffrey, and Katie, all of whom were steadfastly by his side through these difficult last few weeks. Hal's exemplary future was predicted early in life. He was valedictorian of his high school class, graduated with high honors from the University of Michigan, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he served as editor of the Harvard Law Review. While at Harvard Hal met the love of his life, Nancy, who had a personality and intellect that perfectly complemented his reserved demeanor. Hal and Nancy were married for fifty-six years. Following law school Hal was chosen for one of the country's most prestigious court clerkships, working on the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals with Chief Justice Elbert P. Tuttle, the legendary Civil Rights leader and judicial giant. Hal then served a six-month military commitment in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1958 Hal joined the firm where he would work for almost fifty years, which is now called Kilpatrick Townsend, and for decades he chaired their Tax and Estate Planning Group. After retiring from Kilpatrick, Hal became senior partner of Abrams, Davis, Mason & Long, a boutique firm that he and his partners started, specializing in tax and trusts and estates. Other professional positions Hal held include president of the Atlanta Tax Forum, president of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council, trustee, president, and chairman of the board of the Southern Federal Tax Institute, and General Counsel for Georgia Freight Bureau. Those who knew Hal were most likely to describe him as "brilliant" and "caring." Hal was a renowned lawyer in Atlanta and served as the quintessential example of the best of his profession. He was a leader in the fields of tax, estate planning, and business counseling, serving as chairman of the tax section of the State Bar of Georgia and as president and trustee of the Southern Federal Tax Institute. Hal also held various advisory roles. He was an advisor to the Emory Law School Graduate Tax Program, a member of the Kennesaw State University Planned Giving Advisory Board, and a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel. Hal received both local and national acclaim for his contributions to his field. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America (Tax and Trusts and Estates) since 2001, and in 2009 he was acknowledged as one of Georgia's best lawyers for tax law and trusts and estates. Hal was also recognized as one of Atlanta's "Legal Elite" by Georgia Trend, as a Georgia "Super Lawyer" by Law & Politics, and as a "Best Lawyer" by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report. Furthermore, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business recognized Hal as "one of the sharpest lawyers in his field (tax)." For more than 40 years Hal has been AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer review rating. Hal demonstrated immense love for his profession and was highly dedicated to his clients. For Hal practicing law was a profession, not a business. Ensuring that his clients were well served was always his primary concern, and, as a result, Hal's clients were equally loyal to him. Furthermore, the many lawyers whom Hal mentored and whose careers he supported regard him with the deepest reverence and appreciation-as one of a kind. In both his professional and personal life, Hal was unselfish to a fault, and he will be sorely missed by a legion of lawyers and clients who benefitted from his counsel, brilliance, and unwavering compassion. Philanthropic efforts were also dear to Hal's heart as he made generous charitable contributions- both personally and professionally- to many local and national organization and causes. Hal also served on the board of directors of the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and as secretary of the Ronald McDonald House. He received the "Greater Good Award"from the Georgia Planned Giving Council in 2011. Harold Eugene Abrams was a brilliant and benevolent man. He and his wife, Nancy, traveled the world, reaching six continents. Hal was an avid sports fan, quite the baseball historian, and always enjoyed a delicious meal with his friends and family. He was a gracious gentleman who lived his life with kindness, humor, and love. He will truly be missed. Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com. A memorial service for Harold E. Abrams will be held at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street, Tuesday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Temple, The Jewish Educational Loan Fund, or Camp Twin Lakes. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770)451-4999