H. E. “Gene” Monroe, Jr. died Wednesday at age 84. He was a lifelong resident of Huntsville and was the son of Bessie L. Monroe and H. E. “Gene” Monroe, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, H. E. “Skip” Monroe III. Mr. Monroe is survived by his wife, Jane Cain Monroe; his son, Robert C. “Bob” Monroe and wife, Robin; and grandsons, John M. Monroe and William R. Monroe.
Mr. Monroe graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1949 and received his B.S. Degree from Auburn University in 1953. He served two years in the U.S. Army and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.
He returned to Huntsville and joined his father in a family owned office products business, where he spent approximately 40 years. During this period, he was active in numerous business and civic activities. He was a board member of Regions Bank for 20 years. He was a past president of the Huntsville Industrial Development Association and a former board member of several civic and charitable organizations, including the Huntsville Public Library, The Salvation Army, The Huntsville Committee of 100, The Arts Council, The Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Authority, Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Board Member, past chairman of Cummings Research Park Board, past president of Huntsville Art Museum Foundation, past board member of Randolph School, past board member of Associated Industries of Alabama (now BCA), chairman of Alabama 5th District campaign for George Bush Sr. in 1988 and chairman of Alabama Bond Revue Council in 1985. He served on the Kennedy Center Advisory Board in Washington D.C. for several years and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
Mr. Monroe was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1988. After retiring from this business, he was appointed to serve a three year term as The Alabama Commissioner of Revenue in Montgomery.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Maple Hill Cemetery with Dr. William Bostick officiating.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Big Oak Ranch.
