Cyril Reed Funk Jr.

USGA Green Section Award

"In 1961, the USGA established the Green Section Award to honor those persons who deserve special recognition for distinguished service to golf through work with turfgrass. The USGA believes there are many men and women who have made measurable contributions respecting the arena upon which the game of golf is played. Their contributions and service may be evidenced by their achievements over a number of years or by a single act. In continuing to present the Green Section Award, the USGA wishes to identify, celebrate, and hold up for emulation individuals who exemplify outstanding dedication to the game of golf through their work with turfgrass." In 1980, Dr. Funk was gifted this award for his current work in turf grass.

New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame

In 1991, Dr. Funk was entered into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame. "The results of C. Reed Funk's work can be found from urban lawns to the White House and from Arlington National Cemetery to the Rose Bowl. He is the world-wide leading authority in turf grass breeding. His more than 75 variety releases including eight U.S. Plant Patents for Kentucky Bluegrass varieties, nearly 60 Plant Protection certificates (USDA patent-like protection for sexually reproduced plants) and numerous plant registrations. C. Reed Funk's development intraspecific hybrids of Kentucky Bluegrass led to the development of varieties which are resistant to devastating Bluegrass diseases such as striped smut, leaf rust, crown rot and powdery mildew. Other research led to the breeding of fescues and rye grasses which possess greater resistance to insect, disease and drought, better plant vigor, and wider adaptability to growing conditions. He was the recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's Distinguished Service Award for Scientific Research, the nation's most prestigious award in agricultural research."

USDA's Agricultural Research Services

Dr. Funk received the Distinguished Service Award for agricultural research from the USDA in 1990.

USU Degree

In 1994, with his success in agriculture and his previous school time at Utah State University, Dr. Funk was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from USU.

Cyril Reed Funk Jr. died Oct 4, 2012 in Murray, Utah. He was buried in the Richmond Cemetery. He is remembered today for his efforts and success in turf grass science. Rutgers University has the C. Reed Funk Endowed Faculty Scholar in Plant Biology and Genetics in his honor.