Larry Logue

Laurence Joseph Logue of Marietta died unexpectedly Sunday, January 13, 2013 of natural causes. Larry was born June 25, 1937, in Richmond, Indiana, to Neil Logue and Mildred Dawdy Logue. He grew up in Richmond, attended Richmond High School and played saxophone with a small jazz band. He earned a full scholarship to Rose Polytechnic Institute (now Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology) where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He was president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and lettered in track. He later earned a second bachelor's degree from the same institution, this time in Mathematics. He enrolled in graduate school at Purdue University, where he met his future wife, Martha Custis Johnson. After their marriage he returned to Rose where he taught until he and Martha moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he pursued a PhD. in Physics. After earning his doctorate, he was awarded a postdoctorate research position at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Upon his return to the states he accepted a teaching position in the Department of Physics at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. In 1977 Larry moved to Marietta to become an Assistant Professor of Physics and Chemistry at the Southern Technical Institute (now Southern Polytechnic State University). He became the head of that department before moving to the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) as its head. After serving in that position for a number of years, he returned to what he said was "the best job in the world", that of full-time faculty member. He was promoted to Associate Professor, then to full Professor, before retiring in 2002 (after 25 years at SPSU) as Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering Technology. Among Professor Logue's many contributions to Southern Polytechnic are the complete revamping of the graphics program (updating courses from manual drawing to computer-aided design), leadership roles in the Manufacturing section of the Engineering Technology Division of the ASEE (American Society of Engineering Education), and developing a yearlong program for exchange students from the IUT in Annecy, France. Perhaps his most important achievement to the institution's students, however, was as Director of the annual Bathtub Race on campus. When he arrived at the college he worked to improve the professionalism of the racers by introducing detailed technical specifications, tech inspections and impounding of the motorized bathtubs. He was uniquely qualified for this role as he had participated in Formula Ford racing for over 20 years, having built his own racecars and then racing them himself. Many students learned by doing as they built their bathtub racers, acquiring not only technical experience but also collaborative skills, as it took a team to build the tubs. The races were a spring staple on campus for many years, but as the campus grew, the 1.1 mile racetrack gave way to new buildings and progress, which meant that the races would no longer be held. After retiring from the university, Dr. Logue went back to racing school and drove his red Number 64 Formula Ford competitively for several years. He also was an avid follower of Formula One racing and never missed a televised race. He supported many charitable and cultural institutions and enjoyed working on his computer while he listened to great jazz on WABE. Larry was predeceased by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah E. Logue of Atlanta, GA, his brother, William H. Logue of New Albany, OH, his best friend, Kathleen Hall of Marietta, GA, and numerous cousins. It is suggested that those who wish to make a contribution in his name donate to Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday evening, January 18th, at Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 19th, at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta, GA. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home & Crematory, Marietta. www.mayeswarddobbins.com

Larry Logue

June 25, 1937 - January 13, 2013