ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Georgia Pest Control Association mourn the passing of longtime members Jack Watkins and Allen Isdell.

Watkins, 81, was owner of Pesto Exterminating, Marietta, Ga., and an active GPCA member for 50+ years. He was a Mason and a beloved and devoted father who was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy J. Watkins. For more information visit  www.mayeswarddobbins.com

Isdell, 89, was a former GPCA president and member of the Structural Pest Control Commission. A native of Augusta, Isdell served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942-1945, seeing duty in both Europe and the Pacific. He began his career with Orkin in 1946. For 26 years he was involved with the expansion of Orkin into northern states. He served in many capacities during this period including district service manager in Tennessee and Georgia. In 1972, he returned home to Augusta and opened A&R Exterminating Company. The initials in the company name — A&R — stands for his two sons, Allen Jr. and Richard. He served as Grand Marshall for the GPCA winter conference in Athens in January 2007, where he was presented an engraved rocking chair. In his honor, the mayor of Augusta named September 9, 1995, as Allen Edward Isdell Sr. Day. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Wheeler Buff/ Allen E. Isdell, Sr. Scholarship Fund, c/o CSRA Professional Pest Control Assoc., 1736 Georgia Avenua, North Augusta, SC 29841. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com.