Robert B. Pamplin Sr., known as one of Augusta's most generous benefactors and successful executives as leader of Georgia-Pacific Corp., died last week in Portland, Ore. He was 97.
His son, Augusta native Robert B. Pamplin Jr., said his father died June 24 and had suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Mr. Pamplin's wife, Katherine, who died Dec. 23, graduated from what is now Augusta State University. The Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts and Sciences is named for her.
The school's Reese Library is named for her parents.
"The Pamplin family has been a real friend to higher education and to Augusta State over the years," said Kathy Schofe, the director of public relations for Augusta State University. "Their private support has created an endowment for student scholarships and support of faculty research and development."
Mr. Pamplin also started an endowment at North Augusta High School, where his wife graduated as valedictorian. Twelve $3,000 Paul Knox Scholarships were given this year, school officials said.
A Virginia native and 1934 Virginia Tech graduate, Mr. Pamplin came to Augusta to work as an accountant for the Georgia Hardwood Lumber Co. Over the years he helped transform it into Georgia-Pacific Corp. He became company president in 1957 and was named chairman and chief executive in 1967. He is credited with expanding the company to the Pacific Northwest.
Mr. Pamplin retired from Georgia-Pacific in 1976, but then joined his son Robert B. Pamplin Jr. in building the R. B. Pamplin Corp, a holding and investment company, which includes two major operations, the Ross Island Sand & Gravel Co. in Oregon and Mount Vernon Mills Inc. in South Carolina, which makes fabric.
Mr. Pamplin served on the Board of Trustees at Virginia Tech from 1971 to 1979, and was named Virginian of the Year by the Virginia Press Association in 1976.
Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.
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