Dougald McDougald Monroe Jr. died peacefully from respiratory failure on June 30, 2012. While he used his full name on official documents, he was known by the less formal “Mac” Monroe to everyone.
He grew up the son of a Presbyterian minister and was active in the church most of his life, serving as a deacon and elder. He was active in his local churches, most recently Efland Presbyterian Church, but also participated in the national organization of Presbyterian churches.
After his service as a radio operator in World War II, he attended graduate school on the G.I. bill, earning a Ph.D. in English. His degree reflected his love of language and learning. He taught literature for many years, winning praise from his students, and was proud of having instituted a new curriculum at Queens College when he served as chairman of the English department. He later moved into college administration and served as dean for several schools. He ended his academic career as part of the administration that founded Atlanta Junior (now Metropolitan) College.
Retirement afforded him the luxury of returning to his love of language. In the church, he helped to train lay ministers in writing and preaching a sermon. He participated in the local theater, often playing the part of a crazy old man, and showed a subtle timing that made him good in both comedy and drama. He formed several “Socrates Clubs” as a way to continue his teaching and learning. His love of literature culminated in the publication, just before his death, of his book on thinking and learning. This labor of love, titled “The Life and Times of Mac Monroe,” went on sale with Amazon.com the day before he died.
Part of his retirement was spent caring for his wife Dorothy as her Parkinson’s Disease became progressively worse and ultimately resulted in her death.
He is survived by daughters, Amelia and Dru (Steve Zeldes); and sons, David and Mac III; grandchildren, Kris and Ben Zeldes; and by many students and friends whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers or condolences, please consider making a donation to one of Mac's favorite charities: Moving in the Spirit at http://www.movinginthespirit.org/ or Médecins Sans Frontières at http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/.
A graveside remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. Thursday at Stith Funeral Home to proceed to the cemetery. The American Legion Saufley Post No. 18 will present military rites.
