Virgil V. Renfroe, 79, Springfield, passed away at 2:52 am on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

He was born, July 18, 1937, the second of seven children born and raised in Red Bay, Alabama. He attended elementary and high school in Red Bay until he joined the Air Force in November of 1954. He received an honorable discharge from his service in Alaska in November of 1962.

Returning to civilian life, Virgil worked for Goodyear Tire for seven years in a management position. From there he began what would become a 40+ year career in the auto industry in both Illinois and Missouri, including more than 30 years at Springfield Lincoln-Mercury.

Virgil approached life with a passion and gave 110% to whatever he set out to do. He enjoyed golf and bowling but it was fishing that would capture his heart. His love of fishing is what brought him to the Ozarks- where he enjoyed years of fun at both Stockton and Bull Shoals lakes.

He was an avid reader of non-fiction material. He studied history, politics and always enjoyed a good read with an inspirational message. Virgil loved politics and enjoyed a new found interest in social media. His grandchildren took notice when their grandfather surpassed them on "twitter likes".

Virgil's charitable heart was immeasurable. He was known to give to more charities than you could often count. Special interests were St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Shriner's Children's Hospital, Red Cross and Wounded Warriors. He was a man of honor who served his country, community, family and friends faithfully.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen Marie (Alvarez) Renfroe, daughters Charlotte Horsman (husband Gary) of Springfield and Sharon Farley (husband Neal) of Springfield, son Victor Renfroe (wife Rebecca) of Flower Mound, TX; five grandchildren, Marshall Brown, Chris Swift (Wife Aimee), Marissa Farley, Kayla Horsman, and Alex Horsman; great-grandchildren Eliza Swift and one on the way; and two sisters, Virginia Johnson of Florence, AL and Geneva Boyd (husband Ted) of Hartselle, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 26, 2017 in Clark Chapel at James River Church. Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 27, 2017 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.