William “Bill” Allen Carey was a faculty member of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University from 1990 to 2005. On April 22, 2005, at 56 years of age, Bill passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver.
Bill worked as the pathologist and entomologist for the Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative, examining the many aspects of seedling quality. His research included the development of nursery practices, treatments and methods to help control Lygus bugs and fusiform rust, and to increase seedling survival after outplanting.
In addition to numerous scientific awards, Bill authored more than 100 research articles and presented many lectures at regional, national, and international conferences. Bill’s research program within the Nursery Cooperative also included a region-wide Methyl Bromide Alternatives program. Because of his expertise and involvement, Bill was invited to be part of the EPA’s panel for Critical Use Exemptions through the Montreal Protocol and provided testimony to the House Sub-committee on Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Steve Oak, with the USDA Forest Service in Asheville, NC, who knew Bill for more than 25 years, said of Bill:
“[He] was a good friend and valued colleague over that span of time. He knew the needs of the forest industry because he was constantly asking them about their seedling production challenges. Dr. Carey’s work never failed to address practical problems . . . [Bill] could be trusted to fulfill his work on time or ahead of the agreed schedule. His insights and productivity are irreplaceable losses to the forest community in the southern United States.”
Dr. Carey was a brilliant scientist because he was always asking questions and always trying to make things better for the forest industry and the landowner. He loved fishing and the outdoors; he had a passion for flowers, coffee and doughnuts; he loved to read; and he never had a bad thought for anyone that crossed his path. The forest regeneration community and Auburn University has lost a meticulous researcher and wonderful colleague that simply cannot be replaced.
