Richard Douglas Henkel

Dr. Richard Douglas Henkel, 68, of Cumming, GA, passed away on August 18, 2023. He was born on November 18, 1954, in Galion, Ohio, to Eugene and Hazel Henkel.

Richard is survived by his children, Erik (Jenna) Henkel, Kelley (Adam) Lagimoniere, and Julia (Zach) Bennett, and his cherished grandchildren, Veronika, Harrison, Hazel, Greysen, Claire, and Jensen. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael Henkel and Daniel Henkel.

Growing up, Richard was a multisport athlete who wrestled and played baseball and football. Richard attended Pensacola Catholic High School and graduated in 1972. Richard received numerous offers to play college football and ultimately decided to attend the University of Houston where he played on the offensive line. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he went on to pursue his master’s and doctoral degrees in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Throughout his career, Richard made significant contributions to academia and public health. He began his career at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (1984-1997) in the Department of Virology and Immunology where he studied the Herpes B virus. From 1997-2002, Richard served as a Co-Director and Associate Professor at Georgia State University for the National B-Virus Resource Laboratory and Viral Immunology Center in the Department of Biology. Richard then dedicated his expertise to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Microbiologist and BSL4 Laboratory Safety Coordinator, Biological Safety Manager, and Senior Advisor for Biosafety (2002-2021). During his time at the CDC, Richard inspected BSL4 laboratories around the world and collaborated with NASA on the Planetary Focus Team about missions to Mars. When he retired in 2021, Richard had published 45 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals and won nine special awards including the CDC Gerald R. Cooper Award for laboratory safety in 2013.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed watching football, reading, and playing chess. He also loved do-it-yourself projects and working outside in the yard. He found joy in staying active and spending time with his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at a location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Heart of Hospice North Atlanta at 102 Mary Alice Park Road, Suite 101, Cumming, Georgia 30040 (please make your check payable to The Hospice Promise Foundation) or The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Richard Henkel will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his profession, his love for his family, and the enthusiasm he had for his hobbies. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.