Dr. Richard Thomas Hanlin, beloved father, scholar, teacher, and internationally respected mycologist, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on May 10, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, Richard was the son of Arthur McKinley Hanlin and Mary Elizabeth (Hedges) Hanlin. At the age of four, his family moved to rural southwestern Michigan, where he developed a lifelong love of nature while exploring the forests, lakes, and fields surrounding his childhood home.

Richard graduated from Portage High School in 1949 before attending the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany in 1953. He continued his graduate studies there, receiving a Master of Science degree in Botany/Mycology in 1955 and a Ph.D. in 1960. During his years at Michigan, he met his future wife, Elba Bueno Hanlin, beginning a partnership that would shape much of his personal and professional life.

In 1960, Richard accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, Georgia. His research focused on fungi and plant diseases, including important studies of toxigenic fungi affecting peanuts and pecans in the southeastern United States. In 1967, he joined the University of Georgia’s main campus in Athens, where he taught mycology, mentored graduate students, and continued his groundbreaking research for more than three decades. He was promoted to Professor of Plant Pathology in 1970.

Richard’s work carried him across the world. Beginning in 1980, he established long-standing collaborative research programs in Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico focused on the identification and study of pathogenic fungi. He also presented workshops and participated in scientific meetings throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Throughout his distinguished career, Richard remained deeply committed to the scientific community. He served as Program Chairman, Vice President, and President of the Mycological Society of America and received both the Society’s Excellence in Teaching Mycology Award and the Distinguished Mycologist Award. He authored or coauthored five books, published more than 150 scientific papers, and was widely respected for both his scholarship and mentorship.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was known for his intellectual curiosity, love of books, appreciation for the natural world, and lifelong passion for learning. Those who knew him remember his thoughtful nature, quiet humor, generosity, and deep dedication to his family, students, and colleagues.

Family will have a private graveside service in Athens, GA.

He is survived by his children, Maria Elena Hanlin of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Janath Ann Hanlin of Kauai, Hawaii; and Richard Allen Hanlin and his wife, Lesley Foster Hanlin, of Jacksonville, Florida; his longtime companion, Maria C. Gonzalez of Mexico City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nila Nichols; and his wife, Elba Bueno Hanlin.

Upon his retirement from the University of Georgia in 2001, Dr. Hanlin was awarded Professor Emeritus status in recognition of his distinguished career and lasting contributions to the field of mycology.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a children’s charity, such as Operation Smile, HOPE, or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsvillle. www.lordandstephens.com