Taps

Charles W. Abbitt ’41

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Webb Abbitt ’41 of Richardson, Texas, died Aug. 28, 2020. He was 100.

He matriculated from Appomattox, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his son, Charles W. Abbitt II; daughter, Caroline Abbitt; grandchildren, Charles W. Abbitt III and Elizabeth Sarah Sauer; and great-granddaughter, April Rose Holder.

Warren S. Frank ’43

Warren Settle Frank ’43 of Wilmington, Ohio, died Aug. 23, 2020. He was 99.

He matriculated from Luray, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his sons, Warren R. Frank (Sonya), Thomas C. Frank (Katherine), and Joseph A. Frank (Melanie); grandchildren, Sara Frank, Elizabeth Frank, Thomas Frank II (Alexis), Ashley Frank DeCamp (Mark), and Mason Frank (Amanda); and greatgrandchildren, Sophia Frank, Isabelle Frank, Holden Frank, and Brooks DeCamp.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Calendine Frank; sister, Leta M. Frank; and grandson, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Warren S. Frank.

Richard C. Doom ’44

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Clinton Doom ’44 of Golden, Colorado, died June 26, 2020. He was 98.

He matriculated from Kingston, New York, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University.

He is survived by his children, William Doom (Sylvia), Robert Doom, Michael Doom, John Doom (Jill), and Susan Attridge (Richard); seven grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Richard C. Niess ’44

Richard Charles Niess ’44 of Naples, Florida, died Sept. 22, 2020.

He matriculated from East Rockaway, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his children, Linda Niess Tartak, Richard S. “Buz” Niess, and Robert S. “Bob” Niess.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann S. Niess.

Alfred L. Turriziani ’45

Alfred Leopold Turriziani ’45 of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 20, 2015. He was 92.

He matriculated from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Lia Zorn (Jim) and Andrea Lavelle (Mike); grandchildren, David and Daniel Zorn, and Olivia, Jack, and Christopher Lavelle; sister, Gloria Springer; and brother-in-law, Rich.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Arky (Antoinette), Theresa, and Dolores “Dee Dee” Terrify.

Thomas O. Layman ’46 Robert C. Little ’47

Robert Claude Little ’47 of Greensboro, North Carolina, died July 30, 2020. He was 93.

He matriculated from Greensboro and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Davidson College.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Sellars Little; children, Stewart Q. Little (Susan) and Laurie L. Sebastian (Ron); six grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; step-children, Liz W. James (Alex), Daniel E. Wright (Heather), and Chris Wright (Chris); three step-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Rose K. Little.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie Lucas Little; son, Robert C. Little Jr. (Rose); stepson, Gil Wright; and step-grandson, Will James.

Thomas Orville Layman ’46, D.D.S., of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 5, 2020. He was 96.

He matriculated from Richmond and spent six months at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Richmond and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his sister, Joan McGee (Norman).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick Layman Jr. ’44, who died Dec. 31, 1981, and cousins, Lewis E. Smith, VMI Class of 1938, who died May 31, 1967; and Lacy A. Smith ’58, who died July 21, 1994.

George L. Price Jr. ’47

Retired U.S. Army Col. George Lynwood Price Jr. of Melbourne, Florida, died Sept. 19, 2020. He was 94.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI, a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy, and a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M.

He is survived by his sons, Van Price and Allen Price; daughter, Hanni Moreno; and nine grandchildren.

Bascom N. Lockett Jr. ’46 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Bascom Newton Lockett Jr. ’46 of Falls Church, Virginia, died Sept. 22, 2020. He was 95.

He matriculated from Bristol, Virginia, and spent six months at VMI.

He is survived by his children, Ann and Richard; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Lockett.

William L. Williams Jr. ’46

William Lindsey Williams Jr. ’46 of New Salem, Massachusetts, died May 30, 2020. He was 95.

He matriculated from South Boston, Virginia, and spent six months at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Thomas Lawley Williams; daughter, Jane Radcliffe Williams; and grandsons; James King Williams, William Lawley Williams, and Dylan William Flye.

Augustus Robbins III ’47 of Midlothian, Virginia, died Oct. 28, 2020. He was 93. He matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lane Gay Robbins; children, Dr. Sharon Robbins, Augustus Robbins IV ’77 (Linda), Cynthia Robbins Davis (Jeff), and Keith Robbins (Lisa); grandchildren, Katie Ramirez (Tony), Allison Robbins, Augustus Robbins V, Jason Davis (Jill), Ryan Davis, Bradley Davis (Liz), Jena Robbins, and Lauren Robbins; 12 great-grandchildren; three step-children; six step-grandchildren; Robbins ’47 and sister-in-law, Pat Robbins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Della Jane Mobley, and siblings, Philip Robbins and Cordelia Robbins.

Julian D. Adkins ’48B

Julian Dodson Adkins ’48B of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Jan. 27, 2018. He was 90.

He matriculated from Suffolk, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph Macon and a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth C. Adkins; children, Julie A. Lipscomb (Jay) and Jeffrey D. Adkins; grandchildren, Tracey Groome, Melissa Marshall, Virginia Adkins, Harris Lipscomb, and Holden Lipscomb; and five great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jolie Peterson Adkins, and brother, Harry T. Adkins.

Randolph C. Thompson ’51

Randolph Carter Thompson ’51 of Clifton, Virginia, died Feb. 2, 2018. He was 87.

He matriculated from Altavista, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his son, David W. Thompson ’84, and other family members.

David T. Baskett Jr. ’54

John V. Josephson ’48B

David Todd Baskett Jr. ’54 of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 25, 2020. He was 88. He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Vernon Josephson ’48B of Pinehurst, Vhay Baskett; children, Ellen B. McNorth Carolina, died Sept. 12, 2016. Masters (John), Martha B. Chovanes He was 89. Baskett ’54 (Michael), and David T. Baskett III;

He matriculated from Deer Lodge, grandchildren, Jason, Shannon, LauMontana, and spent one year at VMI. He ren, Kathryn, Anna, Alexander, Jaqueline, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Jonathan, Caroline, Kaitlin, Anika, and Elaina; U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science great-grandchildren, Ariya and Ahna; stepdegree from George Washington University. children, Laura J. Brown (Neil) and Susan E.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and Stumpf (Jonathan); and sister, Martha Ann children, Susan Josephson and Peter Josephson “Penny” Harris. (Susan Hartsfield).

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lorna William A. Robinson ’54 Lillis. William Arthur Robinson ’54 of Ball Ground, Georgia, died Aug. 16, 2020. He was 88.

Louis M. Schwartz ’48B He matriculated from Cameron, Texas, and

Louis Martin Schwartz ’48B of Orchard, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history Texas, died Aug. 29, 2019. He was 92. from VMI.

He matriculated from Uvalde, Texas, and He is survived by his wife, Mary Robinson; son, spent four months at VMI. William Robinson Jr. (Amanda); grandchildren,

He is survived by his son, Louis (Karen), Lauren Livingston (Taylor) and William Robinand grandchildren, Joshua (Morgan), Jacob, son III; and brother, Lee Robinson. and Saige.

R. Coleman Rice Jr. ’49C

Robert Coleman Rice Jr. ’49C of Richmond, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2020. He was 94.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant designation from American College.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Meintzer Rice; sons, Robert Coleman Rice III ’90 (Jane) and William Charles Rice (Meghan); grandchildren, Charles Douglas Rice and Sonia Marie Rice; and sister, Wilton Dunn Sadler.

Nicholas J. Goetzinger ’55

Nicholas John Goetzinger ’55 of Carthage, Missouri, died Nov. 6, 2017. He was 83.

He matriculated from Aurora, Illinois, and spent almost two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois.

He is survived by his children, Karen (Rodney), Jeffrey (Lynette), and Gregory (Cara); grandchildren, Ryan Roggow, Rachel Prost (Jeff), Kate Roggow Arnzen, Nicholas Goetzinger, Megan Goetzinger, Natalie Goetzinger, Madeleine Goetzinger, Jay Berry, and Blake Berry; and great-grandchild, Lea Arnzen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie.

Larry E.L. Price ’55

Larry Everette Leroy Price ’55 of Louisville, Kentucky, died Sept. 14, 2020. He was 87.

He matriculated from Covington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Carlene “Boots” Price; son, Mickey R. Price (Camilla); granddaughter, Erin Maiden (Courtney); and greatgrandchildren, Landon and Sawyer.

Forest C. Thompson Jr. ’55

Forest Carson Thompson Jr. ’55 of Leesburg, Virginia, died in 2020. He was 86.

He matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law.

William O. Child ’56

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Otis Child ’56 of Arlington, Texas, died Aug. 5, 2020. He was 86.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drury College.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Jane (Hittler) Child; children, Bill Child (Rebecca), Drew Child (Lori), Jennifer Suggs (Scott), Heather Aldred (Paul), and Stephanie Child; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Rose Child.

Reginald C. Morrison Jr. ’56

Reginald Cleaves Morrison Jr. ’56 of Woodbine, Maryland, died Aug. 24, 2020. He was 86.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Robert R. Rader Jr. ’57

Robert Romeo “Bob” Rader Jr. ’57 of Johns Creek, Georgia, died Aug. 12, 2020. He was 85.

He matriculated from Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Giddens (Randy) and Robert Rader (Candise); grandchildren, Stephen, Rye, Lauren, Dylan, and Mackenzie; and great-grandchildren, Maddie, Abby, Cela, and Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Herndon Rader.

John W. Corr ’58

John William “Bill” Corr ’58, Ph.D., of Atlanta, Georgia, died Sept. 15, 2020. He was 84.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Plummer Corr; daughters, Carolyn Corr Smith (Branden) and Susan Austin Corr; and brothers, Laughton (Ruby) and Warren (Sheryl).

Walter W. Leach ’58

Walter Winston Leach ’58 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Sept. 4, 2020. He was 84.

He matriculated from Radford, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his sons, Walter “Harry” Leach (Dawn) and David E. Leach (Darlene); four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; father, Rollie Leach, VMI Class of 1932, who died Aug. 7, 1966; and son, Stephen M. Leach.

Robert E. Spurrier ’58

Retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Ernest Spurrier ’58 of Melbourne, Florida, died Aug. 1, 2020. He was 83.

He matriculated from Hollis, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Adams Spurrier; daughter, Terry Spurrier Stephenson; and grandchildren, Ashley, Robert, and Hannah.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Butler Spurrier.

Franklin H. Whitten ’59

Franklin Hardwell Whitten ’59 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Aug. 27, 2020. He was 83.

He matriculated from Lynchburg and spent more than one year at VMI. He earned an Associate of Science degree from Temple University.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet; children, Susan Whitten Padgett (Roy), Alice Whitten Bowen (Tony), Mary Carter Whitten Van Atta (Matt), and Franklin Hardwell Whitten Jr. (Betsy); grandchildren, Drew Bowen (Aubrey), Sarah Bowen Hersch (Eric), Paul Bowen, Mary Grace Padgett, Elizabeth Padgett, and Andrew Padgett, Oscar Whitten, and Rob Van Atta; brothers, Wilbur Carrington Whitten Jr. and Thomas P. Whitten; and brother-in-law, William Henry Jones (Margaret).

Louis B. Fike ’60

Louis Bruce Fike ’60 of Richfield, Ohio, died June 25, 2020. He was 81.

He matriculated from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and spent less than one week at VMI.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; step-children, Douglas and Sharon; and siblings, Dick, Darlene, and Mary Rita.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret.

Jack J. Hatfield ’60

Jack Judson Hatfield ’60 of Yorktown, Virginia, died Sept. 27, 2020. He was 82.

He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Burrill Hatfield; daughter, Susan Howland (Greg); grandson, John Hatfield Howland (Erin); granddaughter, Melissa Miller (Micah); and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas and Joseph, and sister, Maxine Hatfield Van Hyning.

John A. Horgan ’60

John Archibald Horgan ’62, M.D., of Newport News, Virginia, died Sept. 8, 2020. He was 82.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia. A distinguished graduate of VMI, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the Institute and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Earle Horgan; children, Laura Earle Horgan, M.D. (Steven Ryan Hunter), Amy Horgan Fiveash (Robert Emmet Fiveash), and John Archibald Horgan II; grandchildren, Will, Caroline, Grayson, and Anne Burns; and brother, Darrell S. Daniels, M.D. (Rosanne).

William E. McQuail ’60

William Edward McQuail ’60 of Richmond, Virginia, died Sept. 15, 2020. He was 84.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Rollings; daughter, Sally Goodnight (Bill); son, Steve McQuail (Sherry); brothers, Jim and John; and grandchildren, Bryce, Katelyn, Caroline, and William.

Fredrik H. Murrill ’60

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fredrik Hugh Murrill ’60 of McLean, Virginia, died Sept. 12, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Greenwich, Connecticut, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Joe B. Preston II ’61

Joe B. Preston II ’61 of Culpepper, Virginia, died Sept. 19, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Culpepper and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy T. Preston; sons, Joe B. Preston III and Robert D. Preston; granddaughter, Kera E. Robinson; great-grandson, Bentley Robinson; greatgranddaughter, Aurora Robinson; and brother, Col. L.T. Preston Jr.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Evelyn Preston and Olivia Elizabeth Tielkemeier, and brother, Thomas Joe Preston.

Edward B. Beirne Jr. ’62

Edward Bliley Beirne Jr. ’62, M.D., of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 9, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Sandston, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Gearhart Beirne; sister, Doris Beirne Sarvay; children, Marcena Beirne Myhrberg, Roxanna Beirne Pappas, and Lucas Edward Beirne; and five grandchildren.

Lawrence W. Payne ’62

Lawrence William Payne ’62 of Falls Church, Virginia, died July 27, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and spent less than two years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Ronald, Deborah, Gary, Lawrence, and Christine; 20 grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Margaret Ann.

Dan W. Vaughn ’62

Dan Wilbur Vaughn ’62 of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, died Oct. 10, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Wichita, Kansas, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Dana Thompson (C.J.) and Eric Vaughn (Jamie); grandchildren, Skyler, Riley, Megan, Marshall, and Molly; and brothers, Dale and Donald.

He was preceded in death by his sister-inlaw, Moira Vaughn.

James A. Vest ’62

James Aurich Vest ’62 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Aug. 13, 2020. He was 80.

He matriculated from Bedford, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Collet Vest; daughter, Catherine Vest Olson (Kyle); grandchildren, Laney Green, Riley Green, Emary Green, and Spencer Fisher; step-daughter, Collet Green (Landon); step-son, Lee Fisher; and sister-in-law, Ann Jarvis Vest.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Twark Vest; son, James Aurich “Jay” Vest Jr.; step-son, Kirk Roland Vest; and brother, Rev. Frank Harris Vest Jr.

John P. Harris III ’63

John Paul Harris III ’63, J.D., of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died Aug. 28, 2020. He was 79.

He matriculated from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Juris Doctor degree from Samford University.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy; daughter, Katherine Harris; grandchildren, Alyssa, Alexis, and Michael Ford; and brothers, Frank C. Harris (Athena) and William H. Harris (Julie).

Ancher L. Madison ’64

Ancher Lee Madison ’64 of Richmond, Virginia, died Oct. 25, 2020. He was 78.

He matriculated from Highland Springs, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree in clinical epidemiology from West Virginia University.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine K. Madison; sons, Richard (Brenda), Donald (Lisa), Martin (Dee Dee), and Joseph (Nicole); and grandchildren, Alex, Andy, Damon, BryAnna, Patrick, Tyler, Kayla, Tatianna, Nathan, and Matthew.

Joseph B. Rathbone ’64

Joseph Bailey Rathbone ’64 of Ashburn, Virginia, died Sept. 4, 2020. He was 79.

He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Mason University.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Anne Rathbone Bradley (Matt); sons, Christian and Trevor; and grandchildren, Timothy Parker and Bailey Grace Bradley.

James C. Shumaker ’64

James Clinton Shumaker ’64 of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 16, 2020. He was 78.

He matriculated from Library, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughters, Kelli Hill and Kristen Nehus (Michael); granddaughter, Hannah Hill; and brothers, Ira and William Shumaker.

Beverly C. Read ’65

Beverly Creighton “John” Read ’65 of Santa Fe, New Mexico, died Sept. 10, 2020. He was 76.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Washington and Lee University.

He is survived by his children, John and Julia, and brother, Jim Read.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lisa.

Michael L. Michelson ’68

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Louis Michelson ’68, Ph.D., of Jacksonville, Alabama, died Sept. 3, 2020. He was 73.

He matriculated from Aberdeen, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Cincinnati.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Michelson Charlesworth; son, Mark Chambers Michelson; grandson, Lionel Victor Michelson; and step-son, Christian Spiceland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne Adair Michelson, and sister, Carole Ann Buchanan.

John T. Pool Jr. ’69

John Thurston Pool Jr. ’69 of Wilmington, North Carolina, died Sept. 30, 2020. He was 73.

He matriculated from Clarksville, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Shreve Pool; children, Mary Katherine Pool, John Thurston Pool III, and Caroline Ingram Pool; brother, Del Pool; sister, Donna Wilkins; and uncle, Otis R. Pool ’60.

John J. Tice IV ’70

John Joseph Tice IV ’70, Ph.D., of Ridgeland, Mississippi, died Aug. 18, 2020. He was 72.

He matriculated from Vienna, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in analytical chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Elizabeth G. Tice; son, John Joseph “J.J.” Tice V; and siblings, Dr. Janice Tice and Don Collins.

Arthur J. Shelfer Jr. ’71

Arthur Julian Shelfer Jr. ’71, of Tallahassee, Florida, died Oct. 28, 2020. He was 71.

He matriculated from Decatur, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University.

He is survived by his wife, Janie Ward Shelfer; son, Tristan Shelfer (Katherine); and sister, Jane Shelfer Mobley (Graham).

John E. Durst ’72

John Elliot Durst ’72 of Swainsboro, Georgia, died Aug. 24, 2020. He was 70.

He matriculated from Lyons, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his sister, Jean Hill (Kevin).

Robert M. Gore ’72

Robert Marshall Gore ’72 of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Sept. 17, 2020. He was 69.

He matriculated from Fairfax County, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil

engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his wife, Sharan Gore; daughters, Jennifer and Caroline; son-in-law, Anthony Faranda; and brother-in-law, Ron Harris.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Harris.

Harold W. Plott ’72

Harold Wilson Plott ’72 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Sept. 3, 2020. He was 69.

He matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his children, Kelly Reich (Mark), Josh Plott (Jess), and April Wilson (Matt); grandchildren, Kyndal Reich, Kyleigh, Avery, and Weston Plott, and Alathea and Selah Wilson; brother, Ron Plott (Barb); motherin-law, Marguerite Claytor; brother-in-law, Coray Swisher; brother-in-law, T.L. Claytor (Doris); and sister-in-law, Barbara Bailey (Jack).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pam; brother, Sammy Plott; sister, Carole Swisher; and father-in-law, Talmage Claytor.

Dennis C. Martin ’73

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Cofer Martin ’73 of Spotsylvania, Virginia, died Aug. 15, 2020. He was 68.

He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Martin; children, Daniel Martin, Michael Martin, and Alicia Martin; sister, Donna Handy; and grandchildren, Noble and Mara Martin.

Gary J. Lape ’74

Gary James Lape ’74 of Spring, Texas, died Aug. 13, 2020. He was 68.

He matriculated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

George B. Lewis ’79

George Bruce Lewis ’79 of Spring Grove, Virginia, died July 5, 2020. He was 63.

He matriculated from Manassas, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; children, Brandice Richards and Adam Adrick Lewis; grandson, Asher Andrick Richards; siblings, James Lewis, Suzanne Gainey, and Lisa Crossman; and father, LeNoir H. Lewis.

Ryland E. Matthews Jr. ’82

Ryland Elton Matthews Jr. ’82 of Columbus, Mississippi, died April 16, 2017. He was 57.

He matriculated from Macon, Mississippi, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Matthews; sons, Ryland E. Matthews III (Kristen) and Jeffrey Matthews; daughters, Brandy Vanhorn and Amanda Heath; and grandson, Ryland E. Matthews IV.

Phil T. Dao ’84

Phil Thien Dao ’84 of Lorton, Virginia, died July 24, 2020. He was 59.

He matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Chau; daughter, Quynh Phi Dao; and son, Nhat Phuong Dao.

Neal A. Heimer ’89

Retired Navy Capt. Neal Alan Heimer ’89, D.O., of Port Townsend, Washington, died June 14, 2020. He was 53.

He matriculated from Oxford, Mississippi, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Graham C. Heimer; daughter, Hanna Heimer; parents, Norman and Myrna Heimer; brother, Kyle Heimer (Danielle); and sister, Gail (Kevin).

Thomas W. Tarkenton III ’91

Thomas W. Tarkenton III ’91 of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Jan. 28, 2020. He was 50.

He matriculated from Glen Allen, Virginia, and attended VMI for more than three months.

He is survived by his children, Payne, Hannah, Tracy, Adele, and Aidyn.

Mark L. Farrell ’93

Mark Lanao Farrell ’93 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died May 18, 2017. He was 47.

He matriculated from Williamsburg, Virginia, and spent less than one month at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Cassandra Britt Farrell; sister, Ann McMahon; and brothers, James, George, and William Farrell.

Michael T. Baumgardner ’98

Michael Timothy Baumgardner ’98 of Downington, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 13, 2020. He was 44.

He matriculated from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A distinguished graduate of VMI, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the Institute.

He is survived by his wife, Janine; children, Michael Christopher, Matthew Joseph, and Avalyn Victoria; and mother, Ellen Rita (Wulf) Baumgardner.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred W. Dean Baumgardner.

Austin A.L. Murga ’16

U.S. Army Capt. Austin Antonio Luigi Murga ’16 of Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina, died Sept. 7, 2020. He was 26.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from VMI.

He is survived by his father, Kevin Murga, and mother, Gaye Murga.

VMI Family

Charles G. Arnold

Charles G. Arnold of Penn Laird, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 10, 2020. He was 93.

He coached the VMI swim team and taught physical education classes at VMI. During his 11 years at VMI, the team won eight Southern Conference championships. He is listed in the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Kevin A. Arnold (Susan), Brian C. Arnold, Keith H. Arnold (Hayley), and Kathleen M. Preston (Dave); and grandchildren, Jessica Arnold, Charles Preston, Mary Preston, Ryan Arnold, and Helen Arnold.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Arnold, and brother, John C. Arnold.

Waverly L. Berkley III

Waverly Lee Berkley III, J.D., of Norfolk, Virginia, died Aug. 16, 2020.