Roll Call Tribute

Leroy W. Sutherland, Jr. 

February 17, 1946 - March 16, 2026 

Leroy W. Sutherland, Jr. age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at Ascension Seton Williamson with his wife, Nancy (Nichols) Sutherland at his side. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in January.

Leroy was born in 1946 in Bangor, Maine. His father served in the U.S. Army in WWII and his mother was a fantastic cook in Bangor restaurants and at home.

From a young age, Leroy roamed the Maine Woods, hunting and fishing with his father and friends and went to beaches and parks with his extended family. He served for four years as an officer in the Bangor High ROTC. He was an outstanding marksman and a good map reader. In his senior year of high school, he was quarterback for the Bangor High Rams and they “lost the state championship in a blizzard”.

Eastern New Mexico University: Leroy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He took a year off to nurse his mom back from an illness and that is where he learned to cook.

U.S. Army: In 1971, he was drafted into the Army, then after Officer Candidate school, he spent almost 7 years in the Army. He rose to the rank of Captain in Air Defense Artillery, serving in five states, the Republic of South Korea, with special mission locations during the Vietnam Era, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

Texas A&M University: In 1977, he used his GI Bill to attend graduate school in Recreation and Parks Management at Texas A&M University and started working in the Athletic Department. He was promoted to Academic Counselor and Dorm Manager in Cain Hall with Nancy joining him after their marriage in 1981. He completed his Master’s in 1983 and started on doctoral work in Health Education.

Memphis State University: In January 1985, Memphis State hired Leroy to be Director of Athletic and Academic Services for Men and Women. Leroy and Nancy remembered these busy 18 months with a smile.

The University of Texas at Austin: In fall of 1986, Leroy took the Athletic Academic Counselor job and in his 21 years at Texas there was “never a dull moment”. He was either the Academic Counselor or the Compliance Coordinator (or both). He and Nancy both worked on campus. Happily, they were big sports fans and were privileged to attend exciting events including National Championships, Final Four, and Texas/OU.

A common theme throughout his life was helping thousands of 18-22 year old men and women. Leroy also appreciated working with so many awesome coaches, wonderful colleagues, faculty, alumni, dear relatives, and friends who made a positive difference in his life. Years later, many still remember the advice he gave them.

Leroy and Nancy’s house always felt like home. They hosted an international high school student one year. Young cousins from Dallas would spend summer vacations in the pool and eating Leroy’s amazing cooking.

Leroy is survived by his wife, The Paudel Family, his sister, and cousins in Maine, Florida, and Texas.