John Walter Myers, Jr.

J. Walter Myers, Jr. died Saturday, October 8, 2005. Born in New Orleans, La., in 1919, he ran track at Fortier H.S. in New Orleans, and earned his B.A. and M.S. (Forestry) degrees from LSU.  During World War II, he served as an officer with the U.S. Army stateside and in the Philippines-earning a commendation for Outstanding Achievement.  After the war, he stayed in the U.S. Army Reserve rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  In the 1940's, he wrote a million-seller book entitled "Ten Lessons in Forestry."  He worked as a forester for the state of Louisiana and for the Illinois Central Railroad.  A resident of Atlanta for 51 years, he was the Executive Vice President of the Forest Farmers Association for 35 years.  In that position, he was the editor and publisher of a monthly forestry magazine and also an annual forestry manual used in 17 collegiate and university forestry programs (including Yale).  He traveled to over 40 countries, regularly leading international forestry tours.  He was elected the President of the Society of American Foresters-the nation's oldest and leading professional forestry organization.  He was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Druid Hills Golf Club, and LaVista Lions Club.  He was married for 52 years to Mary Myers, who passed on in 2001, and will be buried with her at Arlington National Cemetery. They deeply appreciated the help and support provided by Melissa and Alex Viera during the last five years.  He is survived by three adult children, Jim, Robert, and Marjorie; and three grandchildren, Grace, Valerie, and Victor. His gentle spirit and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Oak Grove United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2005. A. S. Turner & Sons