William A. (Bill) Monroe, Sr., 92, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
He was a former resident of Kosciusko, MS, until 2012, at which time he and his wife, Ruth, relocated to The Waterford in Ridgeland, MS.
Born May 25, 1925, the third son of Otis Riley and Audrey Theoda Hodges Monroe, and a fourth generation Attala County native, Bill's love was his Lord and Savior, his wife, and his family.
Celebrating his life are his wife of 72 years, Ruth; daughters, Gail (Jack) Terry of Madison, MS, Kaye Johnson of Nashville, TN, Marilyn (Steve) Ulbrich of Gulf Breeze, FL; son, Henry Monroe of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Charlie (Sunshine), Chris (Sara), Taylor Buffington, Grant (Rachael) Myrick, Megan Johnson, Brian, Katie, and Marilyn Grace Monroe; great grandchildren, Briley, Braxton, Peyton, Parker, and Hattie; who all have such wonderful memories and stories to tell about their PaPaw.
Mr. Monroe served honorably in the US Navy during WWII. He stayed true to the values of personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith ... a proud member of The Greatest Generation. He also served as a member of the American Legion and was a staunch supporter of our wonderful country. In addition, he was a member of Wahabi Temple Shrine Club of Jackson, MS, Master Mason Bethel Lodge #107, and a lifetime member of VFW Stonestreet Rone Post #1983.
A lifelong Baptist, Mr. Monroe was a member of the Kosciusko First Baptist Church for over 69 years.
After leaving service, Mr. Monroe returned to Attala County to marry his sweetheart, Ruth Bigby. Together they raised five children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with another great-grandson due in June. He made his living in sales, from automobiles to real estate. He owned the Bill Monroe Co. in Kosciusko, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Riley Monroe and Audrey Theoda Hodges Monroe; his sister, Ruby Pearl Monroe; his brothers, Howard Monroe and Louis Monroe; his son, William A (Red) Monroe Jr.; and grandson, Matthew Clay Monroe.
Visitation will be held at Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko, MS, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, with the service following at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko, MS, with military honors.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Charlie Buffington, Chris Buffington, Taylor Buffington, Grant Myrick, Brian Monroe and special long-time friend, Doug King.
A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, April 22, at The Waterford on Highland Colony Drive in Ridgeland, MS, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at jordanfuneralhome.com.
