Roger L. Sullivan, 68, of Richmond, died at home on May 4. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Brenda, their devoted twins of whom Roger was so proud, Suzanne and Jonathan, his brother George Curtis (Elsie) of Spotsylvania, brothers-in-law Joddie Williams Jr. and Kenny Williams (Sue) of Emporia, three nephews, two nieces, and a growing family of great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as his five kitty cats, the loves of his life.
A native Virginian, Roger was the son of the late John L. Sullivan and Janie Emma Curtis. He graduated from Spotsylvania High School in 1964, attended Richmond Professional Institute for one year, and then joined the U.S. Army in January 1966.
Roger served proudly with the 5th Special Forces Group MACV-SOG, Command & Control North, in Vietnam, the most decorated unit during the Vietnam War. While operating with Recon Team Krait out of Khe Sanh, Vietnam, he was critically wounded on February 19, 1968 and medevaced to Japan. For his courageous service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars. After recovery, Roger was returned to 6th Special Forces Group, Ft. Bragg, where he was discharged in December 1968.
Roger returned to college at VCU, earning his degree in Business Management (Real Estate). He was successful in the real estate and insurance business until redirecting his focus and interests and certifying as a National Service Officer for a Veterans Service Organization. He became a passionate champion for Veterans’ rights and developed an all-consuming devotion to advocating on their behalf at every level. He retired as NSO six years ago, but he continued to help Veterans daily until his illness this year.
A service to honor Roger will be held Monday, May 12, at 2:00 at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road. There will be visitation with the family before the service at 1:00. Interment with military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery, August 19, 2014 at 3:00pm. The family asks that memorial donations be considered in lieu of flowers to C.A.R.E. Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts, Inc. P.O.Box 2934 Richmond, VA 23228 http://care-cats.org/.
Arrangements under the direction of Woody Funeral Home-Parham, Richmond, VA.
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