Dr. Sayed A. Badr

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of former Fresno, California resident and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Sayed A. Badr, age 81. Dr. Badr passed away on April 30, 2022 in Dallas, Texas surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on July 21, 1940 in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Badr received his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Ain-Shams University in Cairo, Egypt in 1961. He was awarded a scholarship to continue his education at the University of California, Davis. He moved to the United States of America and attended UC Davis from 1963 to 1970. There he completed his Master of Science degree in Horticulture in 1965 and his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Plant Physiology in 1970.
Dr. Badr began his career at California State University, Fresno immediately upon receiving his PhD in 1970. He was a Professor of Viticulture at CSUF for almost forty years. He served the Department of Plant Science and Mechanized Agriculture from 1970 to 2000 and was the Department Chair from 1990 to 1999. In 2000 he joined the Department of Viticulture and Enology where he served until his retirement in 2009. During his tenure at Fresno State, Dr. Badr taught viticulture courses, with an emphasis on table grape varieties and production. In addition to teaching, he conducted table grape research for California's grape industry and provided oversight to the vineyard enterprise on the University's farm. Dr. Badr was a proud Bulldog. He loved his students and colleagues and wanted nothing but absolute success for them all.
Dr. Badr served as a consultant traveling the globe, including back to his birth country of Egypt, teaching others best practices for table grape growing. His professional travels also took him to Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Yemen, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and more. Dr. Badr's global contributions included establishing research projects and expanding beneficial standards that bolstered countries' agricultural industries. He also hosted a number of international students and professionals during his career at CSUF. He traveled nationally as well, sharing his expertise during site visits and conferences all over California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii and other states all over the nation. He perfected the craft and was passionate about sharing it with others.
Dr. Badr was a devout Muslim and a man of faith. Above everything, he loved God. He served as the faculty advisor for the Muslim Student Association during his tunre at CSUF. He loved his family and their home in Fresno. He spent much of his free time gardening and tending to the many trees he hand planted around their yard. For over 30 years, he and his family enjoyed cherries, grapefruits, persimmons, lemons, grapes, loquats, plums and a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and herbs all growing in their backyard.
In 2014, Dr. Badr moved to Texas with his wife to settle down closer to their children and grandchildren. He lived there for 8 years until his passing.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Nuhair Badr; his two sons, Eiman Badr and Hytham Badr; his two daughters, Nuha Badr and Sonya Badr; and 12 grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man of faith, a selfless husband and father, and a passionate horticulturist.
In accordance with religious practice, funeral services have already taken place. Dr. Badr was laid to rest on April 30, 2022 in Farmersville, Texas.