Arvine Walter McElroy, Jr. (“Walt”), of The Woodlands, Texas, a decorated soldier who served his country with honor and valor, passed away on May 5, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Walt was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky to a military family whose travels took them all over the world. Walt spent part of his childhood in Japan, where he joined a Boy Scouts of America troop and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Walt graduated from Georgia Military Academy in College Park, Georgia before entering The Citadel military college in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was a member of the class of 1964 and served as a Summerall Guard. Membership in the Summerall Guard is considered a high honor at the military college. The platoon’s purpose is to exemplify the exactness and thoroughness with which a cadet is trained and to demonstrate The Citadel’s ideals of honor, integrity, loyalty, leadership, self-discipline and patriotism. While at The Citadel, Walt was presented the Carnegie Award for extraordinary heroism by General Mark W. Clark, for saving a citizen from drowning at Dewees Inlet on the Isle of Palms. Walt cherished his days at The Citadel and remained a devoted Bulldog until his passing, even listening to The Citadel fight song in his final days.
After graduating from The Citadel, Walt entered Officer Candidate School (OCS) and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant. After OCS, Walt was stationed in Germany for three years as a Platoon Leader, Battalion S4 and Aide-de-Camp CG before serving the Army as a Troop Commander for the C Company 1st Battalion, 7th Calvary in the Republic of Vietnam. Walt returned to the United States in 1971 and continued his service to his country in Texas and Oklahoma before retiring from the military in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAR.
During his years of military service, Walt earned an array of awards and decorations, including the Army Expert Marksman Badge in three qualifications (pistol, tank weapons, and rifle), the Combat Infantryman Badge (for active ground combat while assigned as a member of a Special Forces unit), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, The Bronze Star Medal (for meritorious achievement or meritorious service in a combat zone) with four Oakleaf Clusters (indicating four bestowals of this decoration), the Air Medal, 2nd Award (for acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight), the Army Commendation Medal, 2nd Award (for heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service), the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, 2nd award (for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/60 Device Medal awarded by the South Vietnamese Government, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Achievement Medal.
As a civilian, Walt worked as a Regional Director at Munich Re Stop Loss under Sharon Day and was thankful for her early support and career guidance. When Walt was in his 60s, he was hired as a National Sales Executive by Bob Baisden at International Assurance of Tennessee (IAT). For the rest of his life, Walt was grateful to Bob for taking a chance on him, for seeing his value, for believing in him, and for giving him a second chance to grow and evolve in his career. After Walt’s retirement, Bob’s continued loyalty and friendship sustained him and meant the world to him.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet Marie Creifelds McElroy, he is survived by his son Blaine McElroy, daughter-in-law Alison Wong, grandson Gray McElroy, granddaughter Julia McElroy, and daughter Alexis, whom he cherished deeply. A devoted family man, he held his family close to his heart. He found joy and companionship in his many standard poodles, whom he adored. Known for his teasing sense of humor and love of the Dallas Cowboys, he treasured his friends from Rockwall, The Woodlands, and The Tradition Buffalo Speedway, relishing the moments both big and small that he spent with them. Walt and his family remain grateful for the care and camaraderie he received from the wonderful staff and residents at The Tradition.
Walt will be remembered for his service, his commitment to his loved ones, and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.