Roger Talmadge Mizell

Roger Talmadge Mizell, 80, husband of Maxine Harley Mizell, brought a life of strength and service to a close on June 16, 2018.  A native of Saint George, SC Roger was born on May 19, 1938 to the late Moses Talmadge and Virgie Mae Mizell.

Roger was a member of the 1956 state championship basketball team at Saint George High School.  He went on to earn his BS in civil engineering from Clemson University in 1961, and his MS in environmental engineering from Georgia Tech in 1970.  Roger spent 3 years during the Cold War as an Air Force Geodetic Officer siting missiles in the Midwest.  He returned to the southeast in 1964 to begin a 38 year career with the US Forest Service.  He held positions in Columbia, Asheville, and Atlanta, culminating in his appointment as Director of Engineering Operations for the Southern Region.  He was named Technical Engineer of the Year for his region in 1980 and 1996.  Roger’s work with the Ocoee River Whitewater venue for the 1996 Olympics earned him special commendations, and was a great joy to him professionally.

Roger was an active member of Northwoods United Methodist Church throughout his years in Atlanta, and later of Saint George United Methodist Church, singing in their choirs and chairing many committees.  He also enjoyed his work with the Upper Dorchester County Historical Society after retiring to Saint George.

Roger is survived by his dear and loving wife of 58 years, Maxine Harley Mizell of Saint George; two daughters, Francie Mizell (Stephen Hubbard) of Clemson, Stacie Thomas of Asheville; and three grandchildren, William Hubbard and Taylor and Turner Thomas.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to Roger’s medical team and caregivers: the Amedisys Home Health and Hospice groups, Dr. Bryan Jordan and his staff, and caregivers Annie Dereef, Glenn Hill, Vanessa Williams, and Pam Addison.

The family will receive visitors at Saint George UMC on Wednesday, June 20th from 11:00AM to noon.  The Reverends Dr. Theron Smith and Dr. John M. Younginer will officiate at the noon funeral service to follow.

The family asks that memorials be directed to Saint George UMC, PO Box 506, Saint George, SC  29477 or the Upper Dorchester County Historical Society, PO Box 15, Dorchester, SC  29437.

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