Thomas G. Nye II, of Lexington, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Washington and Lee University, died Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

He was born October 7, 1937, at Weston, W.Va., the only child of Thomas G. Nye Sr., and Oreta Curtis Nye.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Robinson Nye of 49 years; and one son, Scott Nye and wife, Susan, and their children Kendall Elizabeth, Alexander Thomas, and Anna McKenzie. Additionally he is survived by a stepmother, Polly L. Nye, of Buckhannon, W.Va.; and two stepsisters, Mrs. Paula Hagan and Mrs. Penny Wilson, of North Carolina.

He was a member of the Washington and Lee Faculty from 1966 until his retirement in 2001 and served as the Head of Biology from 1978 to 1993. His degrees included a BA from Fairmont State University in 1959, and MS from the University of Kentucky in 1962, and his doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky in 1966 in Biological Sciences. In addition to his Washington and Lee teaching, he taught two years at Georgetown College in Kentucky from 1962 to 1964 and was selected to teach summer courses in botany at the University of Kentucky while working on his doctorate degree.

His teaching responsibilities at Washington and Lee included introductory biology, survey of the plant kingdom and the history of medicine. He also taught a human biology course for non-majors. Earlier in his career, he taught cell biology and ecology.

During his tenure at Washington and Lee, he served on thirteen major committees, and chaired the Library Advisory Committee, Health Professions Advisory Committee, Student Health Committee and Human Subjects Research Committee. He additionally served on six ad hoc committees.

He participated in programs at other institutions including a two week course in estuarine ecology at the University of Delaware in Lewes, Delaware, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in ecology, a course in Human Genetics at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts and a special program at American University on "Chairing the Academic Department". He spent four summers as a ranger/naturalist for the Department of Natural Resources in the state of West Virginia and was invited on several occasions to be a leader/guide for special wildflower programs at Blackwater Falls State Park in W.Va.

Upon his retirement he was presented the William W. Pusey Award given by the students as recognition of special contributions to the students of Washington and Lee, an award he cherished since it was given by the students. Former students established a scholarship in his name, the Thomas G. Nye Field Biology Research Scholarship, for which he was equally grateful.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, U.K. basketball, reading, Golden Retrievers, and his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Lee Chapel on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Dr. James B. Grimmer Officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Thomas G. Nye Field Biology Research Scholarship at the Development Office of Washington and Lee University at 204 W. Washington St. Lexington Va. 24450, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.