Lewis H. Larson Jr., age 86, of Carrollton, Ga., died Sunday November 25, 2012. Lewis was born January 24, 1927, to Lewis Sr. and Thelma (Brunson) Larson in South St. Paul, Minn.

Lew graduated from the University of Minnesota and received his Ph.D from the University of Michigan. He taught at Georgia Technology, Georgia State, Eastern Kentucky University and retired as a Professor of Anthropology at the University of West Georgia. Lewis was the 1st State Archaeologist for the state of Georgia.

In 1954, Lew began work on the Etowah site in Cartersville, Ga. Lew’s work on Mound C gave Georgia and Southeastern archaeology important relics and knowledge on prehistoric Indians that occupied Georgia. Lew also excavated sites on St. Cathrines Island, Pine Harbor, Sutherland Bluff and Sapelo Shell Ring on the Georgia coast.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Sr. and Thelma (Brunson) of South St. Paul, Minn., and Darien, Ga.; brother, Dean Larson of South St. Paul, Minn.; brother, David; and wife, Patricia (Salmon) Larson of Austin, Minn.

Survivors include lifelong family friend, Simon (Willie) Williams; nephews, Doug (Kathy) Larson of St. Michael, Minn., Jeff (Debbie) Larson of Mannford, Okla., and Steve (Rhonda) Larson of Kasson, Minn.; grand-nieces and nephews, Sarah, Ryne, Lindsay, Brady, and Nick of Minnesota, Audrey, Danny, Darcey and Austin of Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Thelma B. Larson Memorial Award for Anthropological Research at The University of West Georgia.

South Care Cremation, Stockbridge.