SEPTEMBER 3, 1962 – MAY 27, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
Funeral services for Michael Munro, 63, of Nacogdoches will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Grace Bible Church.
Visitation will be held at 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, June 4 at Grace Bible Church.
Dr. Michael Patrick Munro passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2026, after a devastating diagnosis of ALS. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a tremendous impact on the lives of countless children, families, and professionals. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a visionary leader in the field of education for individuals with visual impairments. His life was a testament to his faith in Jesus Christ.
Michael Patrick Munro was born to Bernadette Marie Looney and James Thomas Munro on September 3, 1962, in Rockville Centre, NY. Growing up, he and his family moved to Farmingdale NY, Charlottesville VA, Simsbury CT, Babylon NY (Long Island), and then between Michael’s junior and senior year in high school they made the move to Dallas, Texas. In Texas, Michael would build a beautiful legacy with his family, his career and his community.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, James Thomas Munro, and his twin brother, Timothy. Michael is survived by his wife, Heather; his children, Ryan and wife Israel, Trey, Jaterris, Vivian Marlowe and Iris Jade; his grandchildren, Martin, Andrew, Mary and Cyprian; his mother, Bernadette; his brothers, James and John; two nieces and two nephews; and a host of extended family and many friends and former students who have become family (including honorary children Casey and Margie).
In his home life, Michael was a steady anchor and a constant source of joy. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he modeled a life of deep purpose, quiet strength, and unwavering support. He was the kind of man who could balance the weight of a monumental career with the lightheartedness needed to fill a home with warmth and “dad” jokes. He was dedicated to leading his family in faith and raising his children within the church community. His family was his ultimate proudest achievement, and his love for them guided everything he did.
Professionally, Michael dedicated his life to opening up the world for children with visual impairments. His contributions to the field were nothing short of transformative. He served on numerous professional organizations and boards, as well as serving as director for a camp where he helped children with visual impairments push their own boundaries and discover their capabilities.
Michael’s brilliant mind and collaborative spirit birthed groundbreaking tools that fundamentally changed the field for the better. Whether he was securing vital grants, developing university courses, or partnering with schools and states from Washington to Arkansas to increase support for students, Michael never stopped pushing for progress.
Yet, for all his accolades, Michael was far more than a professor or a program director; he was a mentor, a guiding light, and an extraordinary recruiter who changed the trajectory of countless professional lives. Michael had a certain “magic” about him—he could meet a stranger at a conference booth and, by the end of the conversation, fully recruit them into the field, sparking new goals and dreams they never knew they had.
As a faculty member and leader in the Stephen F. Austin State University Visual Impairment Preparation program, Michael saw potential where others might not have. He walked alongside his students every single step of the way, guiding applications, helping prepare for comprehensive and state examinations, and ensuring that no one ever felt alone on their journey. He believed in his students even in moments they struggled to believe in themselves. When life presented challenges, Michael didn’t step back—he stepped in, ensuring that personal obstacles never became the end of someone’s dream.
His dedication extended far beyond the classroom. He was a true servant leader, traveling across the state to provide hands-on supervision, support, and guidance. Michael possessed a rare, quiet strength and an ability to maintain a calm, cool demeanor in times of strife. He had a gift for meeting people exactly where they were, using his signature humor to cut through serious moments and bring people together. He led not only with immense expertise, but with deep humanity, showing everyone around him how to see and serve students with compassion, skill, and dignity.
The philosopher Benjamin Disraeli once wrote, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” This was the very essence of Michael Munro. He freely shared the riches of his knowledge, wisdom, and care, but his true genius lay in his ability to lead others to find their own riches by believing in their potential.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Michael, please Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.