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In Memoriam | Fall 2025

In Memoriam: 1960s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Robert Merrifield Reed II (Col ’61 CM) of Midlothian, Virginia, died May 4, 2025. At UVA, he was a member of St. Elmo Hall (Delta Phi) and Eli Banana. Following Navy Officer Candidate School, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years. During that time, he volunteered for Special Services and completed training for the Underwater Demolition Team, a precursor to the Navy SEAL program. He was the founder of Reed Development Company, which played a significant role in the building industry in southwest Florida for nearly four decades. He was one of the early developers of Naples Bath and Tennis Club, once recognized by Tennis magazine as one of the premier tennis facilities in the world. He was a faithful volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Rotary Club. He retired to Cashiers, North Carolina. Survivors include his wife, Melissa; two children; two stepchildren; four grandchildren; four siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny Ferguson Hill Sr. (Educ ’62) of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, died March 29, 2025. He received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and subsequently began teaching in Martinsville, Virginia, while also earning his master’s degree at UVA. He began a 40-year career at Miami University, with a brief stop to complete his Ph.D. at Indiana University, Bloomington. In his various faculty and leadership roles at Miami University, he helped thousands of students and teachers alike become better educators. He received many recognitions for his work, including the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Christofferson-Fawcett Award in 1993 and the Miami University Alumni Association’s Effective Educator Award in 1990 (now the William Holmes McGuffey Award). He loved singing and listening to music. Later in life, he picked up carpentry skills to build his retirement home in West Virginia. Survivors include four children, 10 grandchildren, six grandchildren-in-law and 11 great-grandchildren.

Grayson Eugene McNair (Engr ’62 CM) of Allentown, Pennsylvania, died March 29, 2025. At UVA, he was active in student life and became president of Chi Phi fraternity. After college, he joined Pennsylvania Power & Light Co., rising through the ranks to become vice president of the Lehigh division. After retiring from 32 years in engineering, he served as interim director of Second Harvest Food Bank and as Lehigh County commissioner. He became the director of the human services division of Lehigh County. Dedicated to community service, he also held leadership roles with the United Way, Minsi Trails Council BSA and the Emmaus Planning Commission. His lifelong commitment to Scouting included supporting his sons’ achievements as Eagle Scouts and earning the Silver Beaver Award himself. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kerry Ann. Survivors include his wife, Jan; two sons; two brothers; a stepsister; two granddaughters; and two nieces.

George Revell Michael Jr. (Arch ’62 CM) of Alexandria, Virginia, died April 7, 2025. He was a member of the Honor Committee and was on the board of the Cavalier Daily. He was elected to the Raven Society and Omicron Delta Kappa. At UVA he met his first wife, Linda Harris (Arch ’59 CM). Together they ran their general architecture practice, Michael & Michael, for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he designed numerous buildings in Old Town Alexandria, including churches, libraries and residential buildings. He served as president of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, and he chaired the first Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival. He was a member of the UVA Alumni Association’s Board of Managers from 1988 to 1994. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ann; five children; and five grandchildren, including Alexander Reisig (Col ’28).

Robert Milner Pyle Jr. (Law ’63 CM) of Vero Beach, Florida, died March 15, 2025. He graduated from Williams College in 1960. After completing his law degree at UVA, he embarked on a career in corporate and federal securities law in New York City. He began his career at Mudge, Rose, Guthrie & Alexander, and then joined Studebaker-Worthington and the Singer Corp. before becoming vice president, secretary and counsel at various points during his tenure at the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, now known as the Society for Corporate Governance. His final positions before retirement were vice president and senior assistant secretary at American Express. After marrying his wife, Page, they settled in Short Hills, New Jersey, where he enjoyed boating, tennis and racquetball. He also was a skilled pianist, an avid reader of the news and a lover of opera. After retirement, he moved to Florida. Survivors include two daughters, a sister, a nephew and four grandchildren.

Harold Patrick Clifford Brown Jr. (Grad ’67, ’70 CM) of Alexandria, Virginia, died Dec. 30, 2024. He attended Duke University before receiving his master’s and doctorate in English literature from UVA. He taught as a professor throughout the U.S. and overseas, including in Iran and Kuwait. Following his academic career, he worked as a researcher at the U.S. International Trade Commission. After retirement, he continued his intellectual pursuits in art, music, literature, philosophy, history and politics. He was an avid collector of fine antiques and enjoyed hosting dinner parties. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas G. Brown (Col ’70 CM). Survivors include his nieces, including Amy Caruso Brown (Col ’02 CM); a grand-nephew; and several cousins.

Gerald E. McDowell (Law ’67 CM) of Chatham, Massachusetts, died May 27, 2025. At UVA, he lived on the Range and played for the rugby team. He worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as a federal prosecutor for over 35 years, serving in key leadership roles, including chief of the Organized Crime Strike Forces in Boston and St. Louis. He also served as Washington, D.C., supervisor of ABSCAM, the landmark FBI investigation that resulted in the criminal convictions of several elected officials. He later served as chief of the Public Integrity Section, leading high-profile corruption investigations into the federal judiciary, and as director of the Asset Forfeiture Office. His career was a testament to his steadfast belief in the principles of American democracy. In retirement, he enjoyed teaching tai chi. Survivors include his wife, Regina; three children, including Meghan McDowell (Col ’97); and three grandchildren.

John Leonard Pedrick Jr. (Engr ’67 CM) of Alpharetta, Georgia, died Dec. 19, 2024. At UVA, he studied aerospace engineering and was vice president of Theta Chi fraternity. He served as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, piloting helicopters until his honorable discharge in 1972. He then received his master’s in marine affairs from the University of Delaware and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. His legal career began in the Office of General Counsel in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. During that time, he and his family lived in Seattle; Washington, D.C.; Juneau, Alaska; and St. Petersburg, Florida. He served as a U.S. administrative law judge in the Atlanta office of the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2007. In retirement, he found his calling training service dogs with Canine Assistants in Alpharetta. He is survived by his wife, Martha; two daughters; and a grandson.

William Potter Schofield Jr. (Col ’68 CM) of Washington, D.C., died March 7, 2025. He graduated with honors from UVA, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, retiring as a major. Following his military service, he earned his law degree and passed the state bar of Georgia. He joined the State Department as a foreign service officer and was stationed in locations including Brazil, Jamaica, Slovakia, Afghanistan and Washington, D.C. He always enjoyed attending Washington Nationals baseball games. He loved dogs, fishing, traveling and the theater. Survivors include his sister-in-law and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

George D.H. McMillan (Law ’69 CM) of Birmingham, Alabama, died April 18, 2025. He completed his undergraduate education at Auburn University before attending UVA Law School. At UVA, he was a member of the law school’s student council, T.I.L.K.A. and the Z Society. A prominent Democratic politician, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1972 and was elected to the state Senate the following year. From 1979 to 1983, he served as lieutenant governor with Alabama Gov. Fob James. He helped found City Stages, a music festival in downtown Birmingham. He also was a founder and longtime board member of the Black Belt Community Foundation, which serves 12 counties in the state’s Black Belt. He remained dedicated to UVA, encouraging countless Alabamians to apply. Loved ones remember him for his mentorship of others and his ability to bring people together. Survivors include his wife, Ann; two children; two granddaughters; and a brother.

Wynne Thomaston “W.T.” Huff II (Engr ’69 CM) of Smyrna, Georgia, died April 1, 2025. At UVA, he was a member of Chi Psi fraternity and played on the soccer and rugby teams. He served in the U.S. Army before dedicating over 25 years as the chief building inspector for the city of Smyrna. His craftsmanship in woodworking produced many unique furniture pieces. An avid tennis player, he and his doubles partner won many citywide tournaments. His friends and family remember him as a charming Southern gentleman, unafraid to voice his opinions. With an acute awareness of the wonders of nature and a progressive consciousness, he was a longstanding member of the Sierra Club. Survivors include his wife, two siblings, his son and two stepchildren.