Charles Saxe

SAXE III, Dr. Charles "Karl" Lee

Charles "Karl" Lee Saxe III, a beloved husband, father of two, grandfather of three, scientist, mentor, and friend died October 16, 2025 in Australia while exploring the Great Barrier Reef. He was 73 years old.

Born in Hagerstown, Maryland and raised in Yuma Arizona, Karl's early life was notable for his creativity. His love of jazz and his gift for the trombone provided him with the opportunity to play with Stan Kenton and his Orchestra before turning his creativity towards science.

From studying cell development and movement in Dictyostelium to broadening the audience of cancer research, Karl's distinguished career spanned academia, federal service, and non-profit leadership – bringing integrity, joy, and curiosity to each new step on his path.

Once discovering his love of science, Karl earned his Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of Arizona, where he met his beloved wife, Debra Saxe. After completing post-doctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh and University of San Diego, Karl advanced research through his service at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. He then joined the faculty at Emory University Department of Cell Biology, which he made his scientific home for 17 years (1990-2007). At Emory, Karl discovered new proteins and earned awards for his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of researchers and physicians at the School of Medicine. Later, as a Senior Scientific Director at the American Cancer Society, Karl transitioned his career from conducting his own research to championing the research of others – acting on his deeply held beliefs that elevating the achievements of the scientific community advances knowledge and health for all. Karl Saxe embodied the human elements of science, delighting in the stories behind discoveries as much as the findings themselves.

In addition to being a brilliant and dedicated scientist, Karl was a kind and warm husband, father, and grandfather. He supported two generations of science fair projects, musical instrument practicing, bedtime story reading, stargazing, and general adventuring. In addition to his professional pursuits, Karl loved American history and government, training to be a poll observer and election worker in his retirement. Colleagues, students, mentees, and family remember Karl as generous with his time, unpretentious in his manner, patient, kind, and creative.

Karl is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Saxe; his two daughters, Tamar Robinson (Brian Robinson) and Lauryn Walker (James "Rusty" Walker); and three grandchildren, Noah Robinson (13), Elise Robinson (10), and Romi Walker (4); as well as 2 cousins, Elaine Wilkinson and Kenji Johnson and their families; and a full tree of friends, mentees and colleagues.

A celebration of Karl's life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Miller-Ward Alumni House, 815 Houston Mill Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. All who were touched by Karl's gentle warmth, humor, and mentorship are welcome to attend and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Karl by donating to the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Cancer Society, or The Parkinson's Foundation.