Gregory Monroe

1960 - 2026

"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Greg Monroe, known to many as the "Gentle Giant" lived a life that quietly reflected these words every single day.

On January 28, 2026 Greg went to join his Savior. Greg was born in Austin to Marilyn Monroe Bettis and later guided in life by his stepfather, Richard Bettis. He graduated from Austin High and continued his education at what is now Texas A&M University Commerce. He spent his entire career at the State Comptroller's office before taking early retirement.

Greg believed that faith was not something you attended, but something you lived. He was a student of the Bible and chose to express his Christainity through action. The Book of James tells us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. That was Greg's quiet testimony.

Greg had a curious spirit and a deep appreciation for beauty and learning. His backyard was filled with exotic plants and flowers. He attended his bonsai trees with patience and care. Greg purchased several didgeridoos and took lessons at UT to learn how to play them. He kept six chickens he affectionally called "The Girls" and loved sharing their organic eggs with family and friends. Greg was an excellent cook and loved preparing special meals for those he loved. He found great peace at the beach, traveling to most every Caribbean Island, the shores of Florida and Alabama and many memorable trips to South Padre Island.
Greg never married nor had children. Being an only child, he poured his love into his extended family and godchildren he deeply cherished. He was proceeded in love by his grandmothers, Elsie Guenther and Louise Bettis. He dearly loved his aunts, Loretta Patschke and Karon Guenther. He was a devoted cousin to Candi and Chad Patschke, Denise and Brandi Davis, Colee and Wyatt Bolding, Trevor, Tanner and Peyton Pataschke. He held a special place in his heart for his godchildren, Ashtyn & Rynlee Grandjean. He also has a stepsister Angela Bettis and stepbother Joe Bettis.

Greg was laid to rest at a private graveside service in Coupland beside his maternal grandmother, a wish that will now be fulfilled.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) That peace is how Greg lived. And, that peace is how we will be remembered.