Richard Walter Monroe

MONROE, Richard Walter, age 77, of Blacksburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2021. Born August 25, 1944, he was the son of the late Stanley Searle Monroe and Ruth Hunaker Monroe. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Ann Monroe; and brother, William Matthew Monroe.

He is a graduate of Annandale High School (1962), where he was a star athlete and Virginia Tech (1966). Richard earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a regular Army commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Armored Cavalry. While at Virginia Tech, he was assigned to H Company. He was a Regimental S-3 operations officer and a leader in the Corps of Cadets. He was also a member of the Color Guard, the VPI Cotillion Club and many other honorary military societies.

After graduation from Virginia Tech, Richard attended the Armor Officer Basic Leaders Course in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, with a follow-on assignment to the 3rd Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Bad Hersfeld, Germany. He served there for two years as a Troop Commander, Staff Officer and Squadron Executive Officer. During this period, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

After Germany, he was deployed to Vietnam as an Advisor to the South Vietnamese 6th Armored Cavalry. While in Vietnam, his unit conducted daily reconnaissance missions to protect and support other infantry companies. He rode on an armored carrier and was involved in several enemy fire fights and major battles, which earned him a Bronze Star. At the end of this tour, he left the Army to pursue a civilian career.

In February of 1970, Richard was hired by Reynolds Metals Company, a Richmond, Virginia based international aluminum company. After 26 years with Reynolds, he joined Owens Corning for six years and finally, a private investment group for four years. After 36 years in the corporate world and four years of military service, Richard retired with his wife, Mary Margaret to Blacksburg, Virginia.

While retired in Blacksburg, Richard served as Board Secretary and General Director to the Corp of Cadets Alumni Association for seven years. He also served as President, Vice President and Treasurer of the Virginia Tech Cotillion Club Alumni Association over the course of a 13-year period. He was also a member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church. Richard will be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor, his endless generosity and his love for the great outdoors. He often spoke of his love and respect for the life-long foundation that his experience in the Corps of Cadets afforded him.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Margaret Marston Monroe; his children, Jennifer Monroe Holliday and Spencer Grant Monroe; son-in-law, Todd Holliday and daughter-in-law, Kelli Simpson Monroe; grandchildren, Grant Monroe Holliday, Samuel Ayers Holliday and Keeton Elizabeth Monroe; brother, Jonathan Searle Monroe; cousin, Elizabeth Brand Monroe; sisters-in-law, Rosa Crocker Monroe and Deborah Cahoon Monroe; nephews, James Lord Borck and Owen Searle Monroe; nieces, Kimberly Borck Pollard, Amity Borck Dey, Frances Tucker Monroe, Megan Monroe Guerrero, Meredith Monroe Rodriguez; and 20 great-nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the love and support from family, friends and many medical professionals. A memorial service will be held in honor of Richard on November 17, 2021 at 2:30 p.m., preceded by a visitation at 2 p.m. at Blacksburg United Methodist Church. The family requests that you kindly wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blacksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg, Virginia 24063 or the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Association, Class of 1966 Emerging Leader Scholarship Fund, 141 Lane Hall (0213), 280 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, or online at vtcc.vt.edu/alumni.

Arrangements are in the care of McCoy Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Country Club Drive SW, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060; (540)-552-3211. Online condolences can be shared at www.mccoyfuneralhome.com.