Lewis A. Pick, Jr.
Colonel, USA

Lewis Andrew Pick, Jr., was born in New Orleans on November 5, 1927. He was the only child of Alice and Lewis Pick and lived his life in many different parts of the U.S. as his father’s US Army career developed. The family stayed in Auburn at his grandparents’ home on College Street many summers because the federal government could only pay the military nine months of the year during the Depression. Thus Andy always considered Auburn his home base.

Andy graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana and then Andy graduated from West Point in the Class of 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His class was immediately deployed to Korea where Andy served in the Field Artillery as a forward observer for the 3rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the nation’s third highest medal, the Silver Star, for heroism in combat.

Andy transferred to the Corps of Engineers and after attending the basic course at Fort Belvoir, was assigned to military construction projects. While stationed in Valdosta, Georgia, he met and married Frances Boddie. Their first post together was Princeton University where Andy earned a Master’s Degree in civil engineering. There followed many changes of stations as Andy’s military career advanced. He served in combat in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Legion of Merit among other honors.

After an Army career spanning twenty-two years, Colonel Pick retired to Auburn in 1972 to direct the family’s real estate development and construction business. He is responsible for several of Auburn’s subdivisions including Cary Woods, Pickwood and Shelton Woods. He was also known for the construction of hundreds of homes, apartments, and townhomes. His real estate ventures were motivated by how he could improve the quality of life in in the town that had been home to his family since the 1890’s.

Andy was known for a dynamic personality, an effective leadership style and an active life. In addition to business interests with his family, Andy became chairman and owner of MESA Industries, making it a successful corporation with operations in seven states. He took part in local politics and organizations, taught Sunday School and remained a dedicated family man until his death in 1993. General Pick and his son are both heroes to be remembered, for their service to their country and for their important contributions in helping to make Auburn the place that it is today. The Pick family today keeps the legacy of these men alive as they continue to play a role in shaping Auburn for the future.