Abraham Donald Lavender

FLORENCE – Abraham Donald Lavender, Ph.D., 81, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at The Manor. Dr. Lavender was born November 14, 1940, in New Zion, SC, a son of the late William Maxcy Lavender and the late Velma Faye Floyd Lavender. He was an US Air Force Veteran having served from 1964 – 1968. He completed his service career as a Captain, serving at Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Missouri and in Izmir, Turkey where he served as part of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). After completing his military service, Lavender began his doctoral studies and earned a Ph.D. in sociology in 1972, from the University of Maryland. He was a professor of sociology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the University of Miami, and Florida International University until he retired in 2018.He was a prolific author having written dozens of books and academic articles. He was a member of Temple Beth Tov in West Miami, where he was president of the Men’s Club. He was president of the Miami Beach Historical Association and was president of the South Florida Association of Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of Hibiscus Lodge #275 of F.&A.M., and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason. He has been a member of Mensa, and the board of directors of the Miami Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was a life member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States. Dr. Lavender is survived by his sister, Marge McFadden of Eatonton, GA; a special friend, Elmer Rodriguez of Lima, Peru; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Joe Lavender. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 in the New Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery with Mr. Wendell Robinson officiating. The family request that memorials be made to New Zion Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 33 New Zion, SC 29111. Floyd funeral Home 136 E. Main Street, Olanta, SC is in charge of the arrangements. (843)396-4470, www.floydfuneral.com.