Pi Chi Omega is saddened to share the passing of longtime member and former President Ralph Arnold Killough, Ph.D., who died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 91.
Dr. Killough devoted his career to entomology and the professional pest management industry. He earned his B.S. in entomology from North Carolina State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in entomology from Purdue University. After beginning his career as a research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he returned to North Carolina to join his family’s business, Killo Exterminating Company, later becoming its president and owner. His professional service included two terms as President of Pi Chi Omega in 1967 and 1968, along with service on North Carolina’s Structural Pest Control Committee. He was also recognized with a PCT/Syngenta Leadership Award and was inducted into the North Carolina Pest Control Hall of Fame.
His family shared that Ralph was always proud of his association with Pi Chi Omega and of the opportunity he had to lead the organization. That connection is particularly meaningful to us as we reflect on the generations of members whose leadership, knowledge and commitment helped build Pi Chi Omega and strengthen the professional pest management community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Killough’s family and friends and are grateful for his many years of service to Pi Chi Omega and our industry.