Alan Valmore Monette

Alan Valmore Monette, husband, father, businessman and community leader passed away October 12, 2025. He was 82.

He was born November 20, 1942 in Raleigh, North Carolina to Nan and Valmore Monette. After an early childhood in Norfolk, Virginia, he and his family moved to the Monette farm in Smithfield, Virginia where he spent the most of his life surrounded by large trees, fields, wildlife and the beauty of the Pagan River. He graduated from Smithfield High School in 1961, where he distinguished himself as Most Outstanding Athlete (1960-61) as the tailback for the football team and track star. He then earned his B.A. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he also ran track and participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, serving as Battalion Commander.

After college, Alan was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and went on to proudly serve as a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. His time in the Marines was one of his greatest prides and helped shape him into the leader he became.

After his service to his country was complete, he began his business career as a plant manager for Ashley’s of El Paso, Texas for seven years prior to returning to Smithfield to help run the family business, V.H. Monette and Co. with his brothers Richard and David Monette.

In 1978, he saw the emergence and potential of computers and founded with his business partners, Tom Joyner, Dick Hornback, and Gary Surma, Monette Information Systems which provided data processing and warehousing for Smithfield Foods and software development and support to long-term care facilities and other medical establishments. Later, with new business partners, he helped found Basse’s Choice Unlimited offering mail order hams and other premium food products. He employed hundreds of people during his long business career and valued them like family.

A prolific letter writer, he often used the power of the pen to influence public policy frequently corresponding with local, state, and national elected leaders as well as general public opinion through letters to the editors of various newspapers throughout his life. His letters helped eliminate ferry tolls and long-distance charges for calls to neighboring communities--tangible benefits for all citizens of Virginia.

The town of Smithfield was a source of great pride for Alan and inspired his deep community involvement. He served in various leadership roles, including President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kiwanis Club, and as a member of the Finance Committee for Trinity United Methodist Church. He was also active in the Main Street revitalization project. Perhaps his greatest pride was securing the land and constructing the Smithfield Veterans Memorial, ensuring that Smithfield’s native service members’ sacrifices will always be remembered and honored.

Despite his busy business career and community involvement, Alan was a family man first and foremost. He loved to fish, boat and attend his children’s sporting events. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret E. Monette; his sister Ann Monette, San Rafael, CA, daughters Lori Roach, Apex, NC, Lisa Monette, Raleigh, NC, Suzy Lindley, Williamsburg, VA, Juli Monette, Cary, NC; and sons Andy Monette, Smithfield, VA and Michael Monette, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. He is also survived by; his five grandchildren, Henry and Jon Roach, Ryan Lindley, and Walker and Caroline Monette; and his great grandchild, Mary Grace Butler; along with his loveable dog and companion “Happy.”

The memorial will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Monday, October 27th, at 10 a.m., followed by his burial at St Luke’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in his honor.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com