The Shadow
Roy Brandon Putnam
Roy Brandon Putnam, age 86, formerly of Acacia Avenue, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Brian Center Health and Rehab, Low Moor.
Roy was born on July 1, 1938, in Clifton Forge to the late Lankford and Lovejoy Johnson Putnam. He grew up in Clifton Forge, graduating from Clifton Forge High School before leaving home for college. He was a lifelong educator, receiving his bachelor’s from Concord College, his master’s from Western Kentucky University, and his Professional Certification from Virginia Tech. He remained a Virginia Tech fan throughout his life. He retired as Assistant Superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and will be fondly remembered as “Mr. Putnam” to the many students that passed through those halls. Roy cared deeply for each of his students and their successes and never wavered in his staunch support of his fellow staff members. He also enjoyed his post-retirement job in golf operations at The Upper Cascades Golf Club. Roy served in the Virginia National Guard, attended Central United Methodist Church, and was active in the Highlands community. His memberships included the Clifton Forge Elks Lodge B.P.O.E., the Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge # 166 A.F. & A.M., the Kazim Shriners, and the Clifton Forge Shrine Club, where he was instrumental in building the club hall. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, building, and cooking. To that end, he especially loved his hunt camp in Nimrod Hall, Millboro, where he could spend time with his buddies enjoying those hobbies.
In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob Putnam, Harry Putnam, and Buck Putnam.
His is survived by his wife, Sally Pruett Putnam of Low Moor; two daughters, Christy Nichols (Joel) of Roanoke and Deirdre Lee (Rob) of Daleville; two sisters, Betty Jo Brown (Robert) of Low Moor and Carolyn Morris (John) of Lexington; five grandchildren, Sally Lauren Nichols (Darik Eaton), Merritt Nichols (Siobhan), Mary Kellen Moore (Mitch), Brandon Lee (Mandy), and Quincy Edwards (Mitchell); ten great grandchildren, Greyson Eaton, Addison Eaton, Hudson Eaton, Poppy Nichols, Keely Nichols, Charlotte Lee, Jack Lee, Ellie Lee, Georgia Edwards, and Easton Edwards; and a number of nieces and nephews.
His body will be laid to rest in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor where a private graveside service will be held. The family will visit with friends on Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Masonic rites conducted at 6:00 PM by members of the Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge # 166 A.F. & A.M.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
