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Dr. Virgil Orr

Date of Death: April 24, 2021
Visitation
Temple Baptist Church
318-255-3745 |
Tuesday 4/27, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Service
Temple Baptist Church
318-255-3745 |
Wednesday 4/28, 1:00 pm
Cemetery
Douglas Cemetery
2170-2192 Louisiana 821
Douglas, LA 71270
(318) 255-2832 | Map
Wednesday 4/28

Choudrant, LA

Memorial

Temple Baptist Church Mission Fund

1515 S. Service Road West

Ruston, LA  71270

 

Louisiana Tech Foundation

For Benefit of the Orr Scholarship

P. O. Box 1190

Ruston, LA  71273-1190

Charity
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Dr. Virgil Orr, 98, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, April 24, 2021. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, LA.  Interment will follow in the Douglas Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.  A visitation will be from 4:00Continue Reading

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Daneta Bardsley left a message on July 29, 2021:
A life well lived. A respected colleague.
Edwin Pinkston left a message on April 30, 2021:
Our sincerest condolences to Myrtis and the entire family. Our son Wynn served as a Page for two sessions of the Louisiana Legislature and we remember his great admiration for Dr. Orr's conscientious and professional approach to being a representative. He said while the pages were still in the process of preparing for each session, Dr. Orr would come in and completely read and make notes on each document before him; he was always thoroughly prepared well before the roll call. Just another example of Dr. Orr's approach to every endeavor he undertook throughout his illustrous career.
Ben P Haley left a message on April 30, 2021:
Virgil was a Prince of a man in every way. A hero to all. Ben Haley
Skip Stinson left a message on April 28, 2021:
My world was better when I could shake his hand on Sunday morning. He will be missed.
Susan Roach left a message on April 28, 2021:
Mrs. Orr, Ginny, and Marilyn, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dr. Orr, who was one of my heroes! I remember admiring him when I was a student at Tech and then following his political career. I truly appreciated his interest in my research and in sharing his family quilts in our Louisiana Quilt Documentation Project. His generosity with his time and gifts was impressive, and he always remembered names! When I called and asked if my Tech Oral History students could interview him and Mrs. Orr in 2019, they welcomed us into their lovely home decorated with quilts, stained glass, and loving touches and were amazing with the two student interviewers (photos attached). I wish I could have delivered their interviews to him, but visiting limitations prevented it last year, so I will mail this to you. A man of this stature will not be forgotten. Each time I go through the G. T. Madison foyer and see his beautiful stained glass, I will continue to think of him and all that he did to support Tech. With deepest sympathy, Susan Roach
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Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Dr. Ethel Jones left a message on April 28, 2021:
To the Orr Family, the School of Human Ecology at Louisiana Tech is deeply sadden by your lost, and although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Thank you for sharing him with the faculty, staff and especially the students in the School of Human Ecology for he has truly made an impact on this generation of students.
Jo Ann and Sam Dauzat left a message on April 28, 2021:
Dear Orr Family, Our hearts are heavy with deep sadness at the death of Dr. Orr. He was a friend, colleague, and inspiration. He was among those rare people whose life and work made significant contributions to betterment of our society in many, and diverse areas--in his scholarship and University administration, his exemplary Christianity, his ethical role in the political arena, his marvelous creative endeavors, his devotion to family and friends, and his continued support of our University and religious community. We loved visiting with him at numerous Louisiana Tech functions, where he always greeted us with a smile and pleasant comment. His cheerful "Hey, Cuz" greeting to me acknowledged that decades earlier we had found common relatives on the Melder side from his home town of Glenmora. We are confident that our Lord has reserved a seat for Virgil Orr in heaven, His "Good and faithful servant." Words fail to express our sorrow
Jo Ann and Sam Dauzat left a message on April 28, 2021:
Dear Orr Family, Our hearts are heavy with deep sadness at the death of Dr. Orr. He was a friend, colleague, and inspiration. He was among those rare people whose life and work made significant contributions to betterment of our society in many, and diverse areas--in his scholarship and University administration, his exemplary Christianity, his ethical role in the political arena, his marvelous creative endeavors, his devotion to family and friends, and his continued support of our University and religious community. We loved visiting with him at numerous Louisiana Tech functions, where he always greeted us with a smile and pleasant comment. His cheerful "Hey, Cuz" greeting to me acknowledged that decades earlier we had found common relatives on the Melder side from his home town of Glenmora. We are confident that our Lord has reserved a seat for Virgil Orr in heaven, His "Good and faithful servant." Words fail to express our sorrow
Kevin Inman left a message on April 27, 2021:
WE owe so much to Dr.Orr and we have so many incredible memories of his remarkable life. Dr. Orr loved and supported Louisiana Tech Baptist Collegiate Ministry. He was a friend, counselor, advisor and astute representative for BCM for many years but especially during the new BCM building campaign and process 10 years ago. I was brand new the Tech BCM Director and had the responsibility of overseeing the building project. Dr. Orr was so vital in fundraising, La Tech University communications and city government/community relations. He was an essential guide to me and the ministry as we sold our property to Tech, bought 5 properties for the new location of BCM, designed and built the new BCM building and raised funds to pay for all of it without taking out a loan. I could have done it without Dr. Orr. I cannot put into words what it was like to have someone of his stature, character and influence in my corner. His unselfish and unrelenting commitment to Christ and the BCM ministry was awe inspiring. We grieve with our hope in Christ today with you and countless others who loved Dr. Orr. Sincerely, Kevin Inman and the BCM Family
Agnes Chambless Miller left a message on April 27, 2021:
Virgil and Myrtis are among the unforgettable I have known in my life.
Agnes Chambless Miller left a message on April 27, 2021:
Virgil and Myrtis are among the unforgettable I have known in my life.
Frances Dowling left a message on April 26, 2021:
Marilyn, and Ginny, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, but praise God, not only is he in your past but he's in your future too. Give your precious Mother a hug for me and know that I will be thinking of you all and praying that God will comfort your hearts and, in time, restore your joy with the hope in Him. Your Dad was a faithful Christian, and I think of him when I think of our Temple Church family. Frances Dowling
Sharon Swearingen Tusa left a message on April 26, 2021:
My condolences to the family. Dr Orr was such a strong Christian who walked and talked the walk. He was admired so much by me parents, Lawson and Jean Swearingen and on behalf of the Swearingen family, I extend my deepest sympathies. Sharon Swearingen Tusa
Kip Franklin left a message on April 26, 2021:
Several years ago, my wife Sharon and I accompanied a large group from Temple Baptist on a trip to Nashville, TN to go see the Rockettes at the Grand Ole Opry Theatre. That night as we exited the theatre, it was pouring rain as we made our way back to the Temple bus. Once there, Bro. Dale Oden began counting heads and the only ones missing were Mr. Virgil and Mrs. Myrtis. I ran back to the theatre trying to locate them and returned soaking wet, but no Orr's were to be found. Bro. Dale made the decision to head on back to the hotel and the next morning we found out that Mr. Virgil had stopped another church bus and asked them to drop him and Mrs. Myrtis off at their hotel. They actually beat the rest of us back to the hotel. Mrs. Myrtis was fit to be tied, but it did not bother Mr. Virgil one bit. Always enjoyed seeing them when coming into church, both on their walkers, him ahead of her and I would ask him if they were racing. He always said there wasn't any need to race now, that she caught him many years ago. Such a magnificent Godly couple and what a testimony of marriage, 76 years. Dr. Orr will be greatly missed at Temple and our prayers go out to Mrs. Myrtis and their family. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Bill Patterson left a message on April 26, 2021:
What a wonderful person and a great life. I remember him as a Professor first and a friend in later life. I know that I put his teaching skills to the supreme test in trying to make me understand Kinetics and Thermodynamics. He never gave up. May he rest in peach.
Patsy Hammons left a message on April 26, 2021:
My deepest sympathy to Dr Orr’s family. He was a wonderful, caring person and touched so many lives. Praying for Mrs Orr, Marilyn, Ginny and all his family.
Dan Walsh left a message on April 26, 2021:
Dr Orr was one of my hero’s . Not only a member of The Greatest Generation but a gifted Professor of my ChemE class of 1955. He took time to counsel this very average student and offer words of encouragement during my academic struggles. He reminded me that a degree only gets your foot in the door. From that point it’s up to me what I make of the opportunity. I feel that my 34 plus years working for Texas Eastern Gas Pipeline validated the wisdom he took the time to share with me. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to visit with him in the fall of 2019. Such a Godly man who “ walked the walk” in a life Well Lived! May God pour out a full measure of His Peace and Comfort on his beloved family. See you on the other side, Virgil !
Bill May left a message on April 26, 2021:
It has been my honor and privilege to be a neighbor and friend of Doctor Orr for over 35 years. I have enjoyed many conversations with Doctor Orr over the years and he will be missed by all who knew him, God bless Doctor Orr and his beloved wife Myrtis and their entire family.
Janet and Richard Whitten left a message on April 26, 2021:
Marilyn and Ginny , We are sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He was a fine man who leaves a strong legacy for his family to cherish. Blessings to you mom. Give her our love. Janet and Richard
Donna Goodwin left a message on April 25, 2021:
In memory of Dr. Virgil Orr, Donna Goodwin lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Sandra Maddry left a message on April 25, 2021:
Such a beautiful soul and kind man. Can you imagine his welcome into Heaven? My sincere condolences to his family.
Cherry and Vance Kirkpatrick left a message on April 25, 2021:
Vance and I have been stirred to remember the constancy of yours and Dr. Orr’s life together. You both are wonderful models in faith and obedience. We are blessed to have grown up knowing you. We pray for you in the days ahead. In Him,. Cherry and Vance
Elizabeth Haley left a message on April 25, 2021:
Dr. Virgil Orr was one of my heroes and a role model with the virtues and leadership qualities that great university administrators should have. When I became a college dean at Louisiana Tech, we had many chats. He was always encouraging and reflected the highest values and principles. My experiences with Dr. Orr challenged and inspired me. He had faith in me when he appointed me to serve as Dean of the College of Home Economics even though new students and parents assumed I was the Dean's assistant because I looked too young to be the Dean. The great Bette Wallace and I joked about this since she was the wise executive assistant for a number of deans including me and led the college behind the scenes! Myrtis, who was an honored graduate of the College of Home Economics at Louisiana Tech at that time was also a source of inspiration. To Myrtis and their children, I express my sympathy for their great loss, but I rejoice and thank God that Virgil Orr had such a great and lasting impact on my life! He will never be forgotten. With heartfelt thanks and gratitude, Bess Haley, Ph.D. Dean Emeritus, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Brian Weiland left a message on April 25, 2021:
Papaw you will be deeply missed. We love and miss you.
Patterson Moseley left a message on April 25, 2021:
Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Orr. He was a dear friend of my father’s and our family thought a lot of him. A great administrator and man of God. He will be missed.
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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