Dr. Marion Lewis Picklesimer

Munford

Dr. Marion Lewis Picklesimer, 91 of Munford, formerly of Montevallo, passed away Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and his son, Rusty. His survivors are his daughter, Judith L. Belitz (Charles L.); son, Alan Picklesimer (Mattie); grandsons, Christopher Alan Belitz and Michael Jason Picklesimer (Anna); and great-grandsons, Garrett Alan Picklesimer and Wyatt Evan Picklesimer.

After service in WWII as a B-25 pilot in North Africa, he received a bachelor of science in chemical engineering in 1949, a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering in 1951 and was the recipient of the first doctorate in metallurgical engineering awarded by the University of Tennessee in 1954.

During his 35-year career, Dr. Picklesimer was an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and in Tuscaloosa. He was a researcher in nuclear fuels for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and an expert in nuclear reactor safety for the Atomic Energy Commission. Over the years, he was employed by the National Bureau of Standards, Southern Research Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was recognized in 1983 as the international expert on zirconium by the W.J.

Kroll Institute. During his career, he won six patents and published approximately 60 technical papers.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or the American Cancer Society

Arrangements are being handled by Charter Funeral Home, 2521 US Highway 31, Calera.