Archie Monroe

Archie Monroe passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the age of 105 in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was born in Magnolia on November 23, 1909. He was predeceased by his parents, Alice Couch Monroe and Thomas Ark Monroe, and his brother, Dr. Sanford Couch Monroe and his wife, Anne. He was also predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elena Schley Monroe. He is survived by his son, Thomas Ark Monroe, III (Nancy), of Little Rock, and his daughter, Sarah Schley Jones (Chuck), of Batesville, Arkansas. Mr. Monroe is also survived by his grandchildren, John Rowland Monroe (Leslie) of Little Rock, Christopher Couch Monroe (Stephanie) of Little Rock, Sarah Monroe Priebe (Jeff) of Little Rock, Thomas Alexander Jones and Charles Martin Jones of Batesville. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Thomas Cooper Monroe, William Beane Monroe, Jenkins Howell Monroe, Jeffrey Thomas Priebe and Phillip Martin Priebe, all of Little Rock. He lived almost all his life in Magnolia. He graduated from Magnolia High School and from A&M College (now Southern Arkansas University) in 1929. Before his death, he was the oldest graduate of SAU and was one of the first recipients of the Golden Rider Award. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1931 and went to Little Rock to embark on a banking career. In 1939 he returned to Magnolia to own and manage the Magnolia Insurance Agency which had been founded by his father early in the twentieth century. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, in San Antonio, Illinois and South Dakota. After the war he returned to Magnolia to continue managing the Magnolia Insurance Agency. He also served as Trust Officer of the First National Bank of Magnolia (now BancCorp South). He later served as President of that institution. He was one of five founders of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Magnolia. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Magnolia. He served in every administrative capacity of the church – trustee, a Sunday school teacher, and a member and chairman of the Administrative Board. His civic achievements are legendary in Magnolia. He was selected Citizen of the Year in Magnolia/Columbia County in 1992. He served twice as President of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. He worked tirelessly to diversify the economy of Columbia County by seeking new industry in the 1950's. He promoted the development of natural resources in Columbia County. His service on the Columbia County Library Board resulted in statewide recognition for his work in establishing an excellent library system for Columbia County. He served on the City Planning Committee for many years. He had been a member of the Magnolia Rotary Club since its inception in the 1930's and served as its President. He was a strong supporter of the South Arkansas Symphony. He served for many years as a Trustee of the Magale Foundation in Shreveport, Louisiana. As he grew older, he became the unofficial historian of Magnolia and Columbia County. He never stopped learning and he had a vision for the future that was broader and more optimistic than many who are much younger. He was a booster of Magnolia in the best sense of the word. He loved life and his family. He supported all things Razorback. He followed the football team in person through the lean years and on the radio during the glory years. His age was deceptive. He always declared that age was a state of mind. He always looked younger than his age. His caregivers, Beverly Edwards, Linda Carter, Annie McDaniel, Tamika Jones and Leonard Edwards, gave him individual attention and excellent care during his last years. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. John Alexander and his staff for their attentiveness and care. A Celebration of Archie's Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Magnolia, on Friday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the SAU Foundation, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, Ark. 71754; the First United Methodist Church, Magnolia, 320 West Main Street, Magnolia, Ark. 71753; or the charity of your choice. To sign the online guestbook or share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.