Dr. Harry R. Powers, Jr., 94, of Athens passed away Monday, March 19, 2018 after a long illness.

Dr. Harry Robert Powers, Jr was born on July 25, 1923 near Norfolk, VA to Harry and Elizabeth Powers.

He was a World War II combat veteran serving as a member of Patton's Third Army. As a scout for the 16th Armored division, he participated in the liberation of Pilsen in western Czechoslovakia during the final days of the war.

After the war, he studied at North Carolina State University, and later earned a PhD in Plant Pathology at Duke University. He was a member of the first group of 50 students to win a National Science Foundation Scholarship, allowing him to complete his education.

Dr. Powers began work with the US Forest Service as a research scientist and eventually moved to Athens in 1968 to lead investigation of rust diseases in pine trees at the USDA Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. Dr. Powers' research lead to the creation of the “Georgia Giant” variety of tree, millions of which have been planted across the southeastern United States. This fast-growing disease resistant tree is still widely planted and used in in paper production and manufacturing of plywood.

He enjoyed tennis, gardening, and history. Dr. Powers was a member of the Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Athens.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Emma; one son, Richard and his wife Linda. He was preceded in death by his son Harry S. Powers.

A graveside service will be Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Athens Salvation Army, 484 Hawthorne Ave., Athens, GA 30606.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East on Lexington Road is in charge of arrangements.

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