William Rountree Jr.

William F. Rountree VIRGINIA BEACH - William Frances "Tree" Rountree Jr., 66, left this world surrounded by his loving family and friends to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ June 29, 2011. Tree, a lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, was the beloved son of William Francis Rountree Sr. and Helen Latimer Rountree. Fighting cancer for more than 22 years, Tree's resolute spirit, determination and deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ enabled him to overcome many physical challenges associated with this disease. After graduating from Maury High School, Tree attended The College of William and Mary where he received his B.A. A true "Tribe" fan, Tree loved going to the football games and the tradition of tailgating with family and friends. Tree continued his education earning his graduate degree, a Master of Finance from Dartmouth College, Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management, Tuck School. Tree began his banking career at United Virginia Bank, moved to First & Merchants Bank, Sovran Bank, Nations Bank, then Bank of America, later founding Monarch Bank, serving as president, CEO and director. Known throughout the business community as "tireless" recruiter for his beloved Monarch Bank, Tree also modeled to all of his employees, business associates and friends the need to serve. His incredible leadership skills, indomitable spirit and servant's heart helped more than 40 local community agencies and organizations. Tree's community service included chairman of the Four Cities United Way, president of ODU's Educational Foundation, board vice chairman of Cape Henry Collegiate School, chairman of the Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation, chairman of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, chairman Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Commission, board member and treasurer, Children's Health System Inc., president Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads and board president of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation. His honors included 2010 Business Hall of Fame, the John Krueger Outstanding Volunteer Award, Horizons HR Roast & Toast honoree, the Robin Hoods of Virginia Beach "A Noble Deed" award recipient and Norfolk's Outstanding Young Man of the Year. Tree served on the vestry at Galilee Church and attended Spring Branch Community Church where he served as honorary fundraising chair and marketing chair for the Leadership Summit. When asked to tell his greatest achievement, Tree would say it was being a co-founder of the Friday Morning Men's Christian Group. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Virginia "Ginny" Buchanan Rountree and two sons, William "Will" Rountree III and John Benton "Ben" Rountree; mother-in-law, Virginia "Grandma Beach" Buchanan; sisters-in-law, Alice Meredith and Georgia Buchanan-Morse; brother-in-law, Robert Morse; nephews, Michael Meredith and Patrick Morse; niece, Kristen Meredith; and many other friends, family, co-workers and community leaders. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, in Spring Branch Community Church, 1500 North Great Neck Road, Michael Simone and Coleman Tyler officiating. Immediately following the funeral, a celebration of Tree's life will be held at the Cavalier Country Club, 1052 Cardinal Road, Virginia Beach from 4 to 6 p.m. Internment will be in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery and is a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The William F. Rountree Jr. Fund via Hampton Roads Community Foundations, 101 West Main St., Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510 or online at www.HamptonRoadsCF.org. Donor recipients will be Monarch Bank Children's Charities, Cape Henry Collegiate School Alice B. Meredith Teacher Enrichment Fund and Spring Branch Community Church. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.