Obituary: Khalil Abraham Iny

Khalil Abraham Iny, 83, passed away on Sept. 19, in Atlanta.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Khalil, also known as Kelly, came to the United States as a teenager. He studied at a boarding school in New York City. After graduation from high school, he moved to Atlanta to study and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. During his college years, he became temporarily disconnected from his family in Baghdad, due to political unrest in his home country.

In the 1980s, he met and married Adrienne Joy Cohen in Atlanta. They enjoyed both domestic and international travels, attended various cultural events and maintained an active social life. They remained happily married until her passing in March of 2021.

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Kelly was a member of the YMCA in Atlanta where he was able to pursue his love of athletics, particularly tennis. He was a devoted member of the AA Synagogue and maintained close relationships with everyone there until his passing. He always enjoyed interacting with friends and was interested especially in discussions about the stock market. He was fascinated by global economic markets and how they were impacted by current events.

He managed many unique engineering projects over the course of more than 40 years. These projects included creating the large Coca-Cola bottle which used to grace the Fulton County Stadium, and the dinosaur found at the foot of the circular stairs at Fernbank Science Center. He loved his work so much that he worked until the age of 80, when he finally retired due to physical mobility issues and a need to be caretaker for his wife, Adrienne.

Kelly was a proud man. He worked extremely hard all his life and never complained. Even during difficult times, he looked at the glass as being half full rather than half empty. Always smiling and joking, he made sure he thanked those around him for everything. He loved his family more than anything in the world even though he and his family lived oceans apart. He will surely be missed by all of us who were so lucky to have him in our lives.

Khalil is predeceased by his parents, Abraham Iny and Sabiha Iny, and his sister, Bertha Iny Rahamim. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jack Iny, Joseph Iny, Joyce Iny Dayan, Eva Iny Dloomy and Mayer Iny, as well as his son, Nathan.

A graveside funeral was held at Greenwood Cemetery on Sept. 21 in Atlanta. The funeral was livestreamed for everyone that could not attend. To sign the online guest book, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com.