Dr. Peter Reeves Lord Ph.D.,D.Sc.

Peter Reeves Lord, 91, died Thursday, January 22, 2015, in Raleigh, NC. Peter was born on February 10, 1923, in Ruckinge, Kent and was raised in Maidstone, Kent, England. Peter was a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He married Mavis Antoinette Hatt on December 6, 1947, in Maidstone, Kent, England. Peter started his career as an apprentice engineer and research assistant. During World War II he was a part time soldier in the Home Guard, going on patrols and doing guard duty. He later worked as an aircraft draftsman while attending night school to study for his B.Sc in Engineering. He became Engineer-in-Charge of a mechanical lab studying small combustion engines. Peter then moved to Lancashire where he became a senior engineer in the development of hydrogen peroxide and nuclear propulsion systems for submarines.

Peter’s career in textiles began when he became a lecturer in Textile Engineering at the University of Manchester Institute of Technology in 1958. His developed expertise in a new technology called open-end spinning. In 1966 he was awarded a Ph. D. by the University of London. He joined the faculty of NC State University School of Textiles in 1969, as an Associate Professor and was made a full Professor in 1973. He loved teaching undergraduate students and encouraging their curiosity in technology and industry. He became graduate Administrator in 1976 and worked with graduate and post graduate students from all over the world until he retired in 1990. During his tenure at NC State his research in yarn manufacturing and staple fiber yarn spinning led to numerous awards: in 1975 he became the Abel C. Lineberger Professor; in 1976 he was awarded a D.Sc. from the University of London; in 1979 he received the Harold de Witt Smith award from ASTM; in 1980 he was awarded the Alexander von Humbolt US Senior Scientist Award; in 1981 Kappa Tau Beta Man of the Year; in 1982 the Alumni Distinguished Professor Award; in1988 a Textile Grant from the Italian Trade Commission; in 1990 the Phi Psi man of the Year; and in 1991 The Warner Memorial Medal from the Textile Institute. Peter was a prolific writer, authoring hundreds professional articles, numerous books, and presented dozens of papers at conventions about his research and the textile industry. Once retired, Peter continued writing books and consulting.

His love of continuous life-long learning was a dominant force in his personal life. Always an avid researcher, what started as a general interest in the family’s genealogy quickly morphed into arguably the most extensive demography of the Lord family. Also, he realized his dream of seeing the world, and he and his wife Mavis traveled extensively to all seven continents.

Peter is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mavis Antoinette Lord. He is survived by his three children, Edward Lord (Lynette) of Copthorne, England, Kevin Lord (Chiyoko) of Raleigh, and Angela Lord (Larry Pressley) of Raleigh; six grandchildren: Caroline Nelson of Cary, Reeves Gillis (Derek) of Foxboro, MA, Jonathan and Katherine Lord of Leicester, England, David Lord of Washington DC, and Hana Lord of Grinnell, IA.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in the Sanctuary at Christ Church, 120 E. Edenton Street on Saturday, February 7, 2014 at 11 am.

Remembered with love. May he rest in peace.