A memorial tribute has been set up with the American Floral Endowment by the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture to honor Paul Thomas , PhD who pass away September 14 , 2019 , at the age of 65 .
Paul was a renowned research worker , fertile speaker and champion of bud horticulturist . He devoted his life to the study of horticulture . His legion accomplishments admit publishing more than 350 equal - reviewed scientific and outreach article , have 41 academic awards and collapse more than 600 presentations to industry groups . He also received SAF ’s Alex Laurie Award for prominent achievement in research just last year .
Paul particularly loved mentoring bookman and helping them embark on horticultural careers . For more than 20 years , he was a professor at the University of Georgia , where he taught greenhouse management , horticultural business sector practices and interiorscaping classes . A key component of his program was ease existential encyclopaedism through industry internship . Thomas served as the State Extension Specialist in floriculture . In this position , he plan and implemented regional and United States Department of State platform involving greenhouses and the florist industry .
He had recently withdraw from UGA and , just this month , get down employment as the American Floral Endowment ’s ambassador for internship and scholarships . He was traveling between university when he passed away . Prior to his fresh stead , he review research grants and scholarship applications for AFE and also assist coordinate internship promotional videos the organization still use today .
“ I ’m heartbroken , ” said Debi Chedester , AFE ’s executive director , who worked with Paul for many years and admire his dedication to setting up pupil for achiever . “ He stayed in touch with every single one of them and was a proud papa when he check of a past bookman ’s new career position or life result , ” she order . “ Paul ’s love for this industry was undeniable . He lived it every day and , even upon retirement , chose to travel to severalise students about the opportunities for young professional person . The industry miss an amazing educator , advocate , and supporter . ”
His UGA co-worker , Marc van Iersel , Ph.D. , applauded Paul ’s talent for poke at student out of their comfort zona . “ Paul ’s assurances and encouragement allowed many students to pursue dreams and life history they otherwise would not have , ” he say . “ Perhaps his biggest impact was not that he believe in the students but that he was able to make the student believe in themselves . ”
Although the gardening community lose one of its greatest activists , through these students , “ Paul ’s bequest will go along for generation to come , ” said Leonardo Lombardini , Ph.D. , the headland of UGA ’s horticulture department .
A tribulation will be held Friday , Sept. 27 , from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes , 4355 Lexington Road , Athens , GA 30605 . His memorial service will be Saturday , Sept. 28 , at 2 p.m. at Corinth Baptist Church , 2040 Belmont Rd . , Arnoldsville , GA 30619 .
contribution to the Dr. Paul Thomas Memorial Tribute can be madehere , or by sending a chit to :
American Floral Endowmentc / oxygen Dr. Paul Thomas Memorial Tribute1001 N. Fairfax Street , Suite 201Alexandria , VA 22314
The kinfolk is always notified of donations and contribution can be made in any amount .
For more informationAmerican Floral EndowmentT : +1 ( 703 ) 838-5211www.endowment.org
