Richard Jackson Chambliss Jr., a fire buff and Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. engineer who devised strategies to combat storm-related service disruptions, died Saturday of pancreatic cancer at his Roland Park home. He was 55.
Mr. Chambliss, electric system operations and planning manager for BGE, joined the utility in 1969. Earlier, he had worked summers there as an office boy.
He was named manager in 1987 and was instrumental in the planning and construction of BGE's electrical operations building in Woodlawn. He also developed the utility's overall strategy for restoring major power losses during blizzards, thunderstorms and hurricanes.
After Hurricane Floyd swept through Maryland in September 1999, Mr. Chambliss oversaw installation of about $2 million worth of electrical hardware to handle potential storm damage.
He later spoke about storm management at the National Hurricane Conference's annual meeting in New Orleans.
"He set incredibly high standards for himself," said Gregory C. Martin, BGE vice president of general services. "He focused on doing the best job he could. He was constantly trying to improve the way he did his job."
"He had good nerves, and he didn't hesitate to stick his neck out," said Arthur Lundvall of Homeland, a retired BGE vice president. "He was forever cheerful and hard-driving. He pushed and didn't leave anything to chance."
"He was a dedicated, conscientious guy who was community-oriented," said George V. McGowan of Queenstown, former BGE chairman and chief executive officer.
Many years ago, the Rev. G. Stanley Schwind, a family friend and Baltimore Fire Department chaplain, interested Mr. Chambliss in what developed into his lifetime hobby: following local fires.
In his car, Mr. Chambliss had a scanner on which he monitored the Fire Department channels and was a member of the Box 414 Association of fire buffs.
He also was a Baltimore City auxiliary firefighter and rode with Truck 5 and Engine 19, stationed in East Baltimore.
"We worked hard at our civilian jobs, and we found relief at responding to multi-alarm fire calls," said Edmond Nolley of Baltimore, a friend.
Born in Baltimore and raised in the 1400 block of John St. in Bolton Hill, Mr. Chambliss graduated from Polytechnic Institute. He received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in administrative science from the Johns Hopkins University.
He was a past director of New Pathways Inc. and Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound. He also headed BGE's annual United Way campaign.
He was a past president of the Maryland chapter of the University of Virginia Alumni Association.
He was also a member of the Elkridge Club, the Paint and Powder Club and the Institute of Electrical Engineering.
In his spare time, he was a member of Chesapeake Bay sailboat racing crews and enjoyed golfing.
In 1983, he married Deborah Ross, who survives him.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St.
Mr. Chambliss also is survived by his mother, Beatrice Abbott Chambliss of Baltimore; two nieces; and three nephews.
