Dr. Anson Rabb Bertrand died February 18, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. He was born in Coryell County, Texas and graduated from the Gatesville, Texas High School in 1941. He received a BS degree from Texas A&M, an M.S. degree from the University of Illinois, and a PhD from Purdue University. He served as Professor of Agronomy and Soil Sciences at Purdue University, and as Research Director for USDA, before becoming Head of the Agronomy Division at the University of Georgia. He was Dean of the College of Agricultural Science at Texas Tech University before becoming Director of Science and Education for the United States Department of Agriculture, and subsequently Assistant Director of Food and Agriculture for U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington. Upon retirement after a 39 year professional career, he consulted in eight foreign countries regarding food and agricultural development. Dr. Bertrand was a National leader in Agronomy and Soils, co-authored a book on soil conservation and published numerous scientific articles based on his research. He served as President of the Soil Science Society of America. Dr. Bertrand served 3 ½ years in the Army during World War II, and 23 years in the Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of Lt. Col. He was a member of the Rotary Club for 23 years and served as President of the Rotary Club of Petersburg, Va. He was a member of the Washington Street United Methodist Church. He was married for 68 years and is survived by his wife, Gloria Jolly Bertrand, originally of Petersburg, Virginia; as well as a sister, Antonece Rogers; daughter, Cynthia Bertrand Smith (Michael); son Dr. Styles Leslie Bertrand (Mary Schorsch); three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 am Monday, February 24, 2014 at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Street United Methodist Church of Petersburg, 22 E Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com..

Published in Athens Banner-Herald on Feb. 23, 2014, 6:05am.