Honor Guard

Bertram Donald Aaron ‘43

1922 – 2021

Bertram Donald Aaron died December 31, 2021. He served in the US Army during WWII, at NASA as a research scientist, and in the US Army Signal Corps as an engineer. An entrepreneur, he lost his first wife, Marcia, and second wife, Judith, to breast cancer and organized the first Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation Symposium. A supporter of symphony and art in James City County, he endowed programs for the Cleveland Clinic, Virginia Symphony, and Hillel at Virginia Tech. Bert is survived by his wife Gladys, his brother Cyril Aaron and his wife Patti, two daughters, one son, four stepchildren, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren.

 

Gerald Childress ‘52

1930 – 2022

Gerald “Jerry” Childress died July 7. Born to a modest coal miner family in Dickenson County, Virginia, he graduated from VPI in 1952, receiving his degree in agriculture education. He commissioned in the Army and served in field artillery and the 82nd Airborne. After 25 years of active-duty service he retired as a brigadier general in 1977 and became the superintendent of New Mexico Military Institute. Jerry is survived by his wife of over 65 years Martha “Marty” Childress, his brother, sister, daughter, son, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

 

John Crombie Glenn ‘52

1931 – 2022

John Crombie Glenn died Jan. 24. Born in Abingdon, Virginia, John received his degree in agriculture from Virginia Tech and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. John returned to Marion and was vital in the success of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store chain and management of the Highland Shopping Center. John spent his life in Marion and was deeply steeped in the community. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 56 years, Lydia Rice Glenn. John is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren, and great-grandson.

 

William Frederick English Jr. ‘53

1932 – 2022

William Frederick English Jr. died June 24. Bill graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and served in the Army. He was accepted into the MIT Graduate Nuclear Engineering Program. A subsection manager with GE, Bill retired early to pursue his dream of adventure. Outfitting a sailboat, he sailed down to Mexico, went through the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean. An avid motorcyclist, he toured the U.S., New Zealand, and Europe with friends every year. Bill’s dream of a full and adventuresome retirement was a great success. 

 

Edward Lee Richardson ‘55

1933 – 2022

Edward “Ted” Lee Richardson died August 28. Born in Roanoke, Ted was a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and studied mechanical engineering. After graduation, he served in the Army and spent his career with Ford Motor Company. Ted was an active member of the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers International and served as president for three years. Ted was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Thackston Richardson, his brother, his sister, his daughter, and his niece. He is survived by his wife Pat; his son, two daughters, twelve grandchildren, a great-grandson, his brother-in-law, and several first cousins.

 

Floyd Edward Adams, Jr.  ‘56

1933 – 2022

Floyd Edward Adams, Jr. died August 2. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in industrial engineering and served in U.S. Army as an artillery officer and in the Virginia Army National Guard as a battery commander. After his military service, he attended UVA and Rutgers University to become a marketing specialist for Cities Service Oil Company. Later, he served as vice president of Central National Bank in Richmond and retired as President of Floyd E. Adams & Associates, Inc. He is survived by two children and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Eakle Adams.

 

Glenn Meade Ayers ‘57

1936 – 2022

Glenn Meade Ayers died June 27. Glenn was a native of Moneta, Va. and earned degrees from Virginia Tech, Michigan State College of Law, and University of Virginia. An Exxon scholar at UVA and NEH Fellow at Drake University and Duke, he was chosen as a resident of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. He taught English, dramatics, and the humanities for 39 years. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bettie Lu (Blu) Ayers; two sons, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two brothers.

 

Joseph S. DeBlasi ‘57

1935 – 2022

Joseph S. DeBlasi died April 3. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Joe served as the Regimental Executive Officer in the Corps of Cadets and earned a degree in mathematics from Virginia Tech. As a student, he was heavily active in intramural football, softball, and basketball. During his career, Joe was managing director of International Telecommunication Standards for IBM and then became CEO of American Computing Machinery (ACM). He later founded a yearly ACM computing award with global computing competitions. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen, a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren.

 

William Kyle Barlow ‘58

1936 – 2022

William Kyle Barlow died Sept. 21. Born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Bill served as the president of the Class of ’58 and regimental commander at Virginia Tech, earning his degree in agricultural economics. He then served in the U.S. Air Force and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. Bill returned to Smithfield to practice law for over 55 years and represented the 64th District for 20 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was also President of the Board of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Bill is survived by his wife, Taylor, his two sisters and brother, a son, daughter, five grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.

 

Ronald Lee Wade ‘58

1935 – 2022

Ronald "Ron" Lee Wade died July 12. Born in Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, Ron was a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and graduated with a degree in dairy science. He worked for the submarine program at Newport News Shipbuilding and was drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving honorably, Ron became an accomplished manager during his 16-year career at W.T. Grant and later opened a True Value hardware store in 1977. Ron was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 58 years, Rowena "Jill" Wade and is survived by his three children, three grandchildren, and numerous cousins.

 

Robert Edward McClenny Jr. ‘59

1937 – 2022

Robert Edward "Bobby" McClenny Jr., of Pamplin, Virginia, died August 13. He was the loving husband of Laura Carson McClenny for 60 years. Born in Appomattox County on October 25, 1937, he was a graduate of Pamplin High School and Virginia Tech. Bobby taught agriculture, served as soil conservationist, and became a full-time farmer after retirement. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two sisters.

 

Bernard Lloyd Whitlock Jr. ‘65

1942 – 2022

Bernard Lloyd Whitlock Jr., of Chesapeake, Virginia died June 24. Bernie graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and worked on the Saturn V space program. He then served in the U.S. Army where he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam. After his service, Bernie earned his master's degree in civil engineering at Penn State and was the city traffic engineer for Chesapeake from 1979-2006. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Garnett Camden Whitlock, his brother-in-law, two daughters, a son, a niece, a nephew, six grandchildren, and one grandnephew. 

 

James D. Campbell ‘71

1948 – 2022

James “Jim” D. Campbell died August 17. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Jim received a degree in business management from Virginia Tech. He became the assistant county administrator in Warren County and later served as the county administrator in Fluvanna County. Jim was named the executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties in 1990, a position he held for 26 years. He is preceded in death by his oldest brother, Julian Jr., and daughter, Amy Campbell Brueckner. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Christine, a brother, a sister, brothers and sisters in law, his son and daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

 

Russell E. Sypolt Jr. ‘7 4

1952 – 2022

Shirley R. Sypolt '75

1953 - 2022

Shirley R. and Russell E. Sypolt Jr. died June 7. Russ and Shirley fell in love at Virginia Tech and began their journey as husband and wife in 1974. They had three children, Russell E. Sypolt III, Jason M. Sypolt, and Ryan A. Sypolt. Shirley was born on September 9, 1953 in Prince Edward County, Virginia and was a retired teacher and member of multiple science organizations. Russ was born on May 27, 1952, at Bolling Air Force Base and was a retired lieutenant colonel and B-52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

 

Randolph Lowry ‘76

1955 – 2022

Randolph “Randy” Lowry died September 4. Randy spent his childhood in Pointe Claire, Quebec. He earned an aerospace engineering degree from Virginia Tech and excelled at his craft, becoming a professional engineer and project manager in Tennessee. Randy was a boundless adventurer; no challenge could rival his indomitable will. His passion for planning was eclipsed only by his dogged determination to succeed. Randy is survived by his wife Marilyn, his two children and their spouses, his mother, two sisters, brother, grandchild, and numerous Corps of Cadets 'buds'.

 

Brendan Richter Corrigan ‘13

1990 – 2022

Brendan Richter Corrigan died July 15. Brendan was born on October 8, 1990, in Charleston, South Carolina. He gave his life to save his dog, Gadsden, in a tragic swimming accident at Virginia Beach. He is survived by his mother and father, Terry and Tim Corrigan, his sister, Kelly, his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, and his loyal dog, Gadsden. Brendan was adamant about making people's lives better and it is only fitting that his last act was the gift of his heart, both kidneys, and liver to save five people as well as other medical donations to help many others. 

 

Robert L. Svoboda ’39, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 8/29/2022

William S. Cross ’41, Greensboro, North Carolina, 8/25/2022

Raymond M. Wright ’44, Springfield, Virginia, 8/16/2022

John P. Williams ’47, Chatham, New Jersey, 10/24/2022

Harold C. Glass ’48, Annandale, Virginia, 5/6/2022

Sidney O. Dewberry ’48, Arlington, Virginia, 7/16/2022

Donald C. Thomas ’49, Hixson, Tennessee, 9/17/2022

Ferris D. Portner ’49, King George, Virginia, 5/20/2022

Wilton L. Hall ’49, Prince George, Virginia, 5/1/2022

Arthur W. Shelby, ’50, Chester, Maryland, 5/10/2022

Jack D. Garman ’50, Greensboro, North Carolina, 8/4/2022

Branch R. Hammock ’50, Waynesboro, Virginia, 10/8/2022

Karl R. Alexander ’50, Westminster, Maryland, 8/7/2022

James E. McClary ’51, Bena, Virginia, 8/14/2022

Merritt L. Raiford ’51, Courtland, Virginia, 5/10/2022

William T. Tucker ’51, Maidens, Virginia, 8/2/2022

Ralph M. Farrar ’51, Marietta, Georgia, 10/20/2022

Jean T. Wood ’51, Victoria, Texas, 7/21/2022

Lucian F. Draper ’52, Boykins, Virginia, 8/4/2022

Samuel D. Craig ’52, Charlottesville, Virginia, 9/21/2022

Frederick P. Griffith ’52, Falls Church, Virginia, 8/5/2022

James M. Stevens ’52, Gainesville, Virginia, 10/18/2022

George F. Moore ’52, Hockessin, Delaware, 9/5/2022

Gerald G. Keller ’52, Newport News, Virginia, 5/4/2022

Willie C. Rigsby ’52, Richmond, Virginia, 9/15/2022

Gerald Childress ’52, Roswell, New Mexico, 7/7/2022

Ross F. Hawkins ’52, Suffolk, Virginia, 5/18/2022

W. David Fletcher ’53, Bristol, Virginia, 5/17/2022

James F. Hawes ’53, Catonsville, Maryland, 7/11/2022

Murry J. Spangler ’53, Catonsville, Maryland, 5/6/2022

George L. Freeman ’53, Culpeper, Virginia, 5/23/2022

William F. English ’53, Oakland, California, 6/11/2022

Nicholas J. Andre ’53, Poquoson, Virginia, 6/26/2022

Thomas N. Waller ’53, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 7/1/2022

Joel H. Bell ’54, Carolina Beach, North Carolina, 6/12/2022

Nickos C. Papachristos ’54, Endicott, New York, 5/2/2022

L. Robert Vaughan ’54, Fincastle, Virginia, 5/27/2022

Leonard H. Lee ’54, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 9/28/2022

James K. Skeens ’54, Richmond, Virginia, 5/25/2022

William D. Edwards ’54, Saluda, Virginia, 8/28/2022

Robert R. Schmidt ’55, Blacksburg, Virginia, 10/16/2022

Robert H. Giles ’55, Blacksburg, Virginia, 5/5/2022

L. Gardner Brannon ’55, Galax, Virginia, 6/28/2022

Robert H. Crewdson ’55, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 7/27/2022

Edward L. Richardson ’55, Roanoke, Virginia, 8/28/2022

Barry Kantor ’55, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 6/19/2022

Arlin Deel, ’56, Arroyo Grande, California, 7/25/2022

Floyd E. Adams ’56, Richmond, Virginia, 8/2/2022

Lynn R. Wolfe ’56, Winchester, Virginia, 9/23/2022

Charles I. Cather ’56, Winchester, Virginia, 7/3/2022

William H. Baker ’57, Aiken, South Carolina, 6/13/2022

Ralph C. Moore ’57, Delmar, Maryland, 8/19/2022

Lowell K. Coffelt ’57, Edinburg, Virginia, 9/11/2022

William D. Ballard ’57, Elgin, Texas, 8/7/2022

Alton O. Crawley ’57, Ellicot City, Maryland, 6/26/2022

Glenn M. Ayers ’57, Moneta, Virginia, 6/27/2022

Sidney R. Sewell ’57, Niceville, Florida, 8/16/2022

William C. Britts ’57, Playa del Rey, California, 5/10/2022

Frederic B. Mullin ’57, Saint Helens, Oregon, 8/18/2022

William I. Jenkins ’57, Wakefield, Virginia, 7/13/2022

Robert J. Gardner ’58, Alexandria, Virginia, 9/15/2022

Frank J. Trapp ’58, Arlington, Virginia, 7/20/2022

George W. Fisher ’58, Quinton, Virginia, 9/6/2022

William K. Barlow ’58, Smithfield, Virginia, 9/21/2022

Sumner W. Patch ’58, Spicewood, Texas, 6/4/2022

Ronald L. Wade ’58, Williamsburg, Virginia, 7/12/2022

Vincent T. Shea ’59, Franklin, Virginia, 10/18/2022

Robert E. McClenny ’59, Pamplin, Virginia, 8/13/2022

Alfred L. Shawcross ’59, The Villages, Florida, 5/7/2022

Charles E. Croley ’60, Baltimore, Maryland, 8/13/2022

Jack R. Farmer ’60, Cary, North Carolina, 10/5/2022

Joseph B. Martin ’60, Clemmons , North Carolina, 8/7/2022

Carlyle P. Highfill ’60, Henrico, Virginia, 8/18/2022

Donald F. Morrison ’60, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, 7/11/2022

William O. Slade ’60, Princeton, West Virginia, 8/3/2022

Randolph B. Peters ’60, Ridgeway, Virginia, 5/20/2022

Don Q. Fink ’60, Roanoke, Virginia, 7/8/2022

William H. Huebl ’61, Annapolis, Maryland, 7/8/2022

Ronald G. Arritt ’61, Covington, Virginia, 5/15/2022

Kenneth C. Scarce ’61, Dry Fork, Virginia, 9/17/2022

Frank A. Wood ’61, Richmond, Virginia, 9/14/2022

Charles W. Burton ’62, Cullen, Virginia, 8/13/2022

James E. Wilkinson ’62, Lynchburg, Virginia, 8/25/2022

Robert C. Wales ’62, Riverside, California, 8/12/2022

Roy S. Stephenson ’62, Saltville, Virginia, 7/17/2022

Jack W. Sisk ‘62, Tazewell, Virginia, 6/5/2022

Reginald F. Rose ’62, Tupelo, Mississippi, 7/31/2022

Robert D. Lancaster ’62, Winchester, Virginia, 5/25/2022

Richard N. Green ’63, Fairfield, Ohio, 9/26/2022

Daniel H. Hanchey ’63, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 5/17/2022

Wayne V. Modisett ’63, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 9/23/2022

Alvin A. Akers ’63, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, 7/12/2022

Vernon C. Gross ’63, Ooltewah, Tennessee, 5/22/2022

Stephen E. Collins ’63, Sumter, South Carolina, 7/8/2022

Louis K. Palmer ’63, Williamsburg, Virginia, 10/5/2022

Samuel W. Jenkins ’64, Manakin Sabot, Virginia, 9/28/2022

Daniel J. Bakun ’64, Portland, Oregon, 7/4/2022

Eric B. Larsen ’65, Bethesda, Maryland, 10/8/2022

Bernard L. Whitlock ’65, Chesapeake, Virginia, 6/24/2022

Richard M. Williams ’65, Suffolk, Virginia, 8/1/2022

William H. Parcells ’65, Topeka, Kansas, 5/16/2022

Charles W. Ferst ’67, Blacksburg, Virginia, 5/20/2022

Herbert H. Gilliam ’67, Charlotte, North Carolina, 6/16/2022

Geoffrey C. Hintze ’67, Huntsville, Alabama, 5/16/2022

Joseph R. Cologgi ’68, Knoxville, Tennessee, 10/27/2022

Joseph F. Hunt ’70, San Antonio, Texas, 8/31/2022

Thomas D. Dudley ’71, Arvada, Colorado, 8/1/2022

James D. Campbell ’71, Glen Allen, Virginia, 8/17/2022

Billy J. Stephenson ’72, Georgetown, Texas, 10/4/2022

George E. Clark ’72, Richmond, Virginia, 9/25/2022

Thomas P. Perry ’73, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 9/19/2022

Richard G. Hatch ’73, Louisville, Kentucky, 8/4/2022

Russell E. Sypolt ’74, Hampton, Virginia, 6/7/2022

David L. Dale ’74, Prosperity, South Carolina, 8/31/2022

Randolph L. Lowry ’76, Lebanon, Tennessee, 9/4/2022

Carl C. Newcomb ’86, Charlottesville, Virginia, 6/4/2022

Andrew J. Harmon ’94, Columbus, Wisconsin, 10/17/2022