Karl A. Bevins dies at age 96

From Patch Staff Reports

Karl A. Bevins, Atlanta’s first traffic engineer, will be honored by the Buckhead Business Assocation with a moment of silence at the BBA’s weekly breakfast meeting Thursday morning.

Bevins, a longtime BBA member, died on July 29. The BBA created the Karl Bevins Service Award in 2009, according to an announcement from the BBA. It is presented annually to honor a BBA member’s service to the organization and the community, it said.

A memorial Mass for Bevins will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at according to the family’s death notice.

Buckhead Business Association President Lolita Jackson said, "We at the Buckhead Business Association are truly saddened by the loss of Karl Bevins. His life was an inspiration and example to all of us to think like innovators and to give of ourselves for another. His kind and loving spirit will always be remembered."

In addition to serving as the city’s first traffic engineer, retiring in 1978, Bevins was the first chair clarinetist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and taught private lessons for more than 50 years.

Bevins served under four mayors, including Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said.

He is survived by one daughter, Jean Marie Bevins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's annual fund.