Year Inducted: 1990
Harry Edwards Myers, Sr., was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1908. He studied civil engineering at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, and obtained a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering through the International Correspondence School while at sea on an oil tanker from 1930 to 1932.
Myers began his engineering career in 1935, when he became associated with J.B. Converse and Company, Inc., now BCM Converse, Inc. He served as a project and design engineer for several years before being named chief engineer for the joint-venture firm of Converse and Pope in 1940. In this capacity, Myers was in charge of all engineering work for the construction of the Ordnance Depot and the Camp Sibert Chemical Warfare Installation near Anniston, Alabama.
After completing the Anniston project, Myers returned to Mobile to direct engineering projects for J.B. Converse and Company. These projects included completing a sanitary sewer service for all of the area within the city of Mobile, and providing secondary treatment of all sewage collected by the new system; developing a major storm-drainage planning program for the city; developing a major road construction program; and undertaking the Big Creek Water Supply project, which increased the city of Mobile’s water supply system to 12.5 times its original capacity.
In 1951, Myers was appointed vice president of J.B. Converse and Company, and in 1954, president. He became chairman of the board in 1974 and is now chairman emeritus. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become one of the leading engineering firms in the South.
Throughout the years, Harry Edward Myers, Sr., has worked diligently for the economic development of Mobile, and toward the development of the public facilities of the city. He has received many honors and awards, including being named Engineer of the Year in 1967 by the Inter-Engineering Council of Mobile, and as Alabama’s Engineer of the Year for 1968 by the Alabama Society of Professional Engineers. The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for the city of Mobile recently named a new water filtration plant in honor of Myers, recognizing his many years of diligent service to the board as its consulting engineer. Myers is also a member of numerous civic and business organizations.
In addition to his engineering pursuits, Myers is a well-known artist, and has created many pieces of art work primarily in wood, but also in clay and metal. He has written one book titled Living With Sculpture which depicts his many forms of art work. He has also written a book of poems titled Let The Mind Run Free. At the request of the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, he created a bronze sculpture for the entrance of the water filtration plant named in his honor.
Myers currently resides in Mobile, and he has three sons and nine grandchildren.
