John Ray Monroe

John Ray Monroe, aged 74, passed away in Harker Heights, TX on July 25, 2024. John was born on February 10, 1950 to Tommy and Frances Clark Monroe in Austin, TX. John spent his formative years in Manor, TX with his loving parents and siblings. After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class, John enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War. Upon being honorably discharged, he married Bobbie Parks and pursued careers as a sanitation worker and a firefighter. John was so incredibly proud of being a firefighter for the City of Austin. He spoke fondly of his time as a firefighter with his grandsons shortly before his death, educating them about fire safety and the many responsibilities he had. After his career as a firefighter was complete, he started his own taxi and chauffeur business which brought him in contact with people from all walks of life. Many became close friends for the rest of his life. John was a man of many talents, even briefly acting as a body double for actor Louis Gossett, Jr. John will be fondly remembered for his work ethic, his desire to help others and his love of basketball, history, travel, cars, music and dogs. John had a host of service-connected illnesses towards the end of his life, but he fought them all fiercely and with great determination. He never lost his sense of humor, even joking with his children and doctors shortly before his death. In the final months of his life he reconnected with his faith which also brought him great joy and comfort during his illness. John was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Frances Clark Monroe, his brother Charles Monroe and one daughter, Deidre Hill. Left to mourn his loss are his sisters Velura Jackson, Stevie Monroe-Davis (Ken) and Patrick Monroe all of Austin, TX and one devoted brother, Jody Kenneth Monroe of Manor, TX; his children Thurman Eugene Givens (Jessica) of San Antonio, TX, Alicia Davis-Moody (Septhon) of Los Angeles, CA, Leticha Genice Monroe of Harker Heights, TX, Frances Monroe Taft of Cibolo, TX, Tamara Lynn Gardner (Daniel) of Harker Heights, TX and Corey Monroe (Breeanna) of Temple, TX. Also left to mourn his loss are his beloved grandchildren Elora Chanell Chesnut, Courtney Sierra Monroe, Amber Sade Guyton, Julian Christopher Lyons (Sabrina), Mia Lauren Kelly Lyons, Jasmine Green, Landon Jo Gardner, Jayla Emily Gardner, Jonathan Ezekiel Taft, Aaron Daniel Taft, Abigail Sara Rose Taft and one great grandson, Caiden D. Sawyer. In addition to the aforementioned family, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends to cherish his memory. Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 9:00 in the morning at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery located at 11463 TX-195 in Killeen, TX, 76542.

John Ray Monroe

February 10, 1950 - July 25, 2024