Stephen Taber III

ELGIN - Mr. Stephen Taber III, a world-recognized honey bee researcher, of Elgin, SC, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Kershaw County Medical Center in Camden, SC. He was 84 years old.

He was born April 17, 1924, to Dr. Stephen Taber II and Bessie Ray Taber of Columbia, SC.

Steve was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1945.

In 1950, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, with a B.S., specializing in bee research. His first position was with the Entomology Research Division of USDA in Baton Rouge, LA. After 15 years, he was transferred to the Bee Research Center in Tucson, AZ. In retirement he founded “Honey Bee Genetics.”

His book, Breeding Super Bees, attests to some of his research and his studies around the world. His articles and research publications are still being referenced by honey bee researchers world-wide.

The life and legacy of Steve Taber is one that will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His knowledge and mannerisms have moulded the lives of all those he touched. He will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his two older sisters, Dr. Elsie Taber and Molly Denton. Survivors include his eight children.

There will be a memorial service at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2701 Heyward St., Columbia, SC, Sunday, June 15, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family will be received in the reception hall after the service.

Donations in Stephen Taber’s name will be accepted for the “Stephen Taber SCBA Young Beekeepers Fund” at South Carolina Beekeepers Association and for honey bee research at The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc.