BARRON, ALVAH VOTELLE, JR., a retired Birmingham businessman and pioneer in the field of air pollution control, died on December 3, 2007 at his home in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 80. Born in Thomaston, GA and a veteran of World War II, Al was sent by the U.S. Army to study at New York University, along with other young, high-scoring inductees. There, for reasons unknown to them at the time, they performed calculations that were used by the Manhattan Project in the development of the atomic bomb. After the war, he graduated in Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. As a leader in the air pollution control industry in the 1970's and 1980's, he traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and expertise in what was a new and challenging field. Though not an activist, he was one of the first to speak widely about the "green house effect" and it's potential to raise the temperature of the earth's atmosphere. He advocated alternative energy sources that did not require petroleum-based fertilizers. The designs he implemented for industrial air pollution control are the basis for most of the systems in use today. He was honored as Engineer of the Year for the State of Alabama in 1972 and the following year began Barron Industries, which specialized in the design and implementation of pollution control systems for industry. After the purchase of Barron Industries by the Allis Chalmers Corporation, he continued to work in the field, first, in association with Allis Chalmers, and later, by the formation of Barron Fan Technology and several other related firms. He will be remembered for his generosity, inquisitive intellect, and boundless energy.

Al was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Mann Barron. Surviving him are his present wife, Elizabeth Weathersby Barron; his children: Sally (Philip) Partridge, Mobile; Betsy Brown, Alvah Votelle "Buddy" (Patsy) Barron, III, and Connie (Brad) Sherrod, Birmingham; his grandchildren: Barron Partridge, Mobile; Sara Brown (Tim) Bell, Saluda, N.C., Molly Partridge, Elizabeth Brown, Collier Brown, Alvah Votelle "Beau" Barron IV, Elizabeth Barron, Fuller Sherrod, and Emily Sherrod, Birmingham; and a great grandson, Finn Bell, Saluda, N.C. Additionally surviving are his step children: Patrick Dewees, Jennifer Dewees (Daniel) Bolongaro, Guy (Katie) Dewees, Birmingham; and his step grandchildren: Frederick Bolongaro, Ella Kate Dewees, Carter Dewees, and Sarah Deweese. Birmingham. He is also survived by a brother, James Barron, Atlanta, a sister, Betty Hayes, Dallas, two sisters-in-law: Julia Power, Newnan, GA and Olene Garner, Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews, including Julie Henderson, Birmingham.

The family expresses special thanks to Willie Richardson and his exceptional team of caregivers. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Canterbury United Methodist Church on December 15 at 2 pm, with visitation before the service beginning at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Division of Movement Disorders, UAB Department of Neurology, Suite 350B Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017.

Published by The Birmingham News from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2007.