Dwayne Lee Moncrief

Dwyane Lee Moncrief, born on October 16, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, from complications of a stroke. He was the son of Curtis and Emmaline Moncrief and the cherished grandson of Cecil (Gran) and Tom Stanger of Grand Saline, Texas.

Lee served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps from August 1964 to August 1968 and was a Vietnam Combat Veteran.

Shortly after returning home from Vietnam, Lee encountered his friend Joe Walker while traveling in North Carolina. During this chance meeting, Lee was introduced to Joe's younger sister, Ruthanne Walker. It was love at first sight, and on October 14, 1967, Lee married the love of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Lee lived a full and adventurous life, spending 48-years in Olympia, Washington, while also calling Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas home. He pursued his passion for welding at Green River Community College and dedicated himself to the craft as a welder for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 26 from 1976 until his retirement in 1997. Following his work with the Pipefitters, Lee embarked on a new career by starting his own trucking business. As the owner of Lee's Heavy Equipment and Transport, he traveled all over the lower 48 states.

Lee was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, often sharing memorable pieces of advice that became family favorites. He would often say, “Keep your head on a swivel” and “Never take a wooden nickel,” reminding us to stay alert in the world. His ability to make others laugh brought joy to family gatherings and community events. Whether sharing a funny story or delivering a perfectly timed joke, Lee had a remarkable gift for brightening anyone's day. 

Lee enjoyed the outdoors and eagerly embraced opportunities to go scuba diving, camping, fishing, or motorcycle riding. He found immense joy in competitive dirt bike racing, proudly winning the 1977 “Burns to Bends” motorcycle race on one of his beloved Husqvarnas. He competed multiple times in the Mattawa 100, often returning home with trophies. Lee looked forward to long road trips, creating unforgettable memories with Ruth on his Harley Davidson.

 Lee's love for adventure was passed down to his grandchildren—Orion, Riley, Madison, Sydney, and Marquise—through camping trips, boating, and road trips. He gave them the priceless gift of lasting memories spent with their Grandpa Lee. 

Lee was a member of the Odd Fellows for the past 20 years and served as vice president of the Marine Corps A-1-5 Scuttlebutt Newspaper. He loved engaging with his community and proudly walked in the Redwood City 4th of July parade with lifelong Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran friends.

 Lee is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Ruthanne, and his loving children, Phyllis (Bill) Gosk, Christine (Marc) LaVack, and Salina (Matthew) Philbrook, as well as his sister, Brenda (Mike) Foley. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother. 

A noon Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at St. Michael's Parish (Downtown) in Olympia, Washington. 

Lee Moncrief will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, unconditional love for his family, fantastic and funny storytelling, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.