Dr. Randall Oliver Manning

After a six-year struggle with cancer, Dr. Randall Oliver Manning died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 16th surrounded by his wife, family, and beloved dog. Randy was born on October 12, 1956 in Dublin, Ga.He attended Dublin High School and graduated with a bachelors, masters, and doctorate from the College of Agriculture at the University of Georgia. He was a postdoctoral associate and an assistant research toxicologist in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia. In 1990, he became the state toxicologist for the Environmental Protection Division at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. While serving in this position, he dealt with state problems with chemical contaminants of air and water. Randy worked well with local people, who were concerned about pollution. He was certified as a diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology. He was also an adjunct professor for the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and the Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program at the University of Georgia. He lectured in two graduate courses at the University of Georgia for 13 years. He was a full member of the Society of Toxicology and the Society of Toxicology and Chemistry. He was a member and served as Chapter President of the Southeastern Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology. He served on the Board of Directors with the Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment and was a consultant to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the ATSDR/Centers for Disease Control.

He was predeceased by his parents, Troy and Lyma Manning, Dudley, Georgia and father-in-law Porter Black, Fairmount, Ga. Survivors include his college sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Rita and their furry child of 2 years, Bentley, Athens, Ga. He is also survived by three brothers: Mike Manning, Dudley, Ga; Buster (Jo) Manning, Dudley, Ga, Glen (Cherie) Manning, Sandersville, Ga and sister Lee Ann (Billy) Nash, Dudley, Ga. Additionally, he is survived by brother-in-law Steve (Denise) Black, Fairmount, Ga; sister-in-law Melba (Myron) Scoggins, Cartersville, Ga. and mother-in- law, Carol Wilson Black, Fairmount, Ga. He has several nephews and nieces.

Randy was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables, and a steward of the earth. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed traveling. He was a proud Georgia Bulldog and attended all of the home games for more than 35 years. Randy was a very gentle, caring friend to many people,who enjoyed his sense of humor.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East. The body was cremated and a private Celebration of Life service for the family is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Northeast Georgia Cancer Care Foundation, 3320 Old Jefferson Road, Athens, Ga. 30607.