Dr. S. Wali Abdi, 54, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Blacksburg, passed away after a long battle with leukemia. He was a science teacher, researcher, consultant, speaker and author. He taught at Blacksburg Middle School. Dr. Abdi was a Professor of Science Education at The University of Memphis. Since joining The University of Memphis in 1993, Dr. Abdi received numerous awards: The University of Memphis Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award; Science Educator of the Year Award for Higher Education presented by Tennessee Science Teachers Association; and The Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award presented by Memphis Organization of Science Teachers. Dr. Abdi also received The Outstanding Award of the Year for Teaching and for Service in the College of Education. Dr. Abdi received his B.S. in Biology (1978), Master's (1982) and Doctorate (1988) degrees in Science Education from Virginia Tech. He also did a one-year Post Doctorate study in Mathematics Education at Virginia Tech. Dr. Abdi was a member of many professional organizations, and he published in professional journals. He also authored two books. Dr. Abdi was interviewed on CBS programs: "On The Road with Charles Kuralt", in 1983 and "Eye on People", with Paula Zahn, in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Arrin (Erica), Michelle (Lizann), Carol (Cory) McCullough; and four grandchildren; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Barbara Surface. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. David Hurd officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Auston Abdi Education Fund c/o SunTrust Bank. Thanks and prayers to all friends and colleagues from the family. The family will receive friends Monday, October 27, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg.
Published in Roanoke Times on October 26, 2008