Dr. Ralph L. Buice Jr.

Dr. Ralph Buice was a 39 year veteran of Fernbank Science Center and the

DeKalb County School System. While attending Georgia Tech, he often

visited Fernbank Science Center to work with the astronomy team. His

volunteer efforts led to a position at Fernbank where he was instrumental

in working with NASA to develop tracking of satellites in the early years.

As a result, the Apollo Six capsule was placed at the Science Center. Dr.

Buice was involved in the recovery of the “lost” satellite Pageos.

As a Chemistry instructor he inspired hundreds of students in Independent

Study Classes, the Scientific Tools and Techniques Program and other

Fernbank programs. In more recent years, his duties included mentoring

teachers and working with students doing independent research projects.

He was very instrumental in developing the partnership with NASA’s

Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) at the

Science Center. Over the years he has supported science instruction in

the school system in a variety of means including working with young

teachers to judging in science fairs.

Dr. Buice enjoyed traveling throughout the world. He often took guests

with him on his adventures and encouraged others to live their own

adventures. He loved food, wine, and life.

Predeceased by his mother Sara Edwards Buice, father Ralph Lendon Buice,

sister Elizabeth Ann Buice.

Survivors include his brother, Rick Buice, sister-in-law, Fran Buice and

nieces Kristi and Elizabeth Buice, Fredrick and Smithfield, several

cousins in Chattanooga, close friends, and his Fernbank Science Center

family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fernbank Science Center, 156

Heaton Park Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Visitation is February 27, 2010, from the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and services at 1:00p.m. at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, GA.