Mr. John Edward Montgomery

Master Sergeant John Edward Montgomery went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. He was the son of the late Reverend Baker Montgomery and Minnie Ola Lonon Montgomery. He was born in Sumter, South Carolina on November 22, 1927. John was the eldest of five siblings. At the age of six, John and his family moved to Columbia, SC. He was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated from Booker T Washington High School. While in high school, John joined the Navy. After a short stint in the Navy, he changed directions and enlisted in the United States Air Force. There he was trained as a Radio and Radar Specialist. He also taught courses while stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. John served his country in numerous locations including: Panama City, Florida, Canada, South Dakota, Japan, Germany, Korea, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri and finally retiring from the service in Port Austin, Michigan. John served a total of twenty-three (23) years in the United States Armed Forces. After retirement, John and his family returned home to Columbia, South Carolina, where he went to work in the civilian sector. John worked at General Electric, Mepco Electric and Phillips Components as an electrician until finally retiring in the 1980’s. John was a great family man and a very good cook (he was known for his biscuits). Master Sergeant Montgomery was married for sixty-two (62) years to the love of his life, Marie Graham Montgomery. While attending a church meeting, John saw Marie Graham for the first time and fell immediately in love. Later, he had his brother deliver a letter to her home expressing his feelings and several months later they were engaged. On July 21,1960, they were united in holy matrimony at the Florence County Courthouse. After Marie graduated from Claflin College in 1961, they began traveling as a couple. They are the proud parents of two (2) sons. They welcomed their first son in 1963 while stationed in Panama City, Florida. They were blessed with their second son in 1966, while stationed abroad in Germany. John was always active in his church, Francis Burns United Methodist. He was the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Chairperson of the Trustees and the United Methodist Men. He enjoyed working with the youth groups, transporting them to their retreats at Lake Junaluska and USC Spartanburg. He also took them to USC Salkehatchie and supervised the group as they helped repair homes for low income and elderly families. John was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Baker and Minnie Ola Montgomery; his sister, Elizabeth and brother-in-law Doug Addison; a brother Daniel and sister-in-law Mary Montgomery; a brother-in-law, Edward Perry and his favorite pet, Benton Todd. John Edward Montgomery leaves to cherish his precious memory, his loving wife of 62 years Marie Montgomery; two sons, Cedric and Craig Montgomery; a sister Mary Lee Perry; a brother William Montgomery and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers his family asks that you make a donation in his memory to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692.

Mr. John Edward Montgomery

November 22, 1927 - July 4, 2023