Individual Details

Death

GASTONIA - Robert "Bob" John Montgomery Sr., 70, passed away with loving family around him, after a courageous battle with cancer, on June 11, 2012, in Fayetteville. He was born Dec. 7, 1941. He graduated from Benedictine High School in Richmond, VA in 1960 and then Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC in 1964. Robert went on to become a textiles executive as well as the Athletic Director for his college. As a talented woodworker and avid model train enthusiast, he built elaborate railroad layouts and furniture over the years. Being born on the day of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Robert felt a special connection to the tragic day and had an affinity for WWII history. Being a die-hard Tar Heel basketball, Notre Dame football, and "anyone playing" golf fan, he rarely missed a game or match. As a talented shagger, dancing to beach music became Robert's first love. He always loved being with his large family and "Paw Paw Gummy" enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities. In his memory, Robert would have also wanted family and friends to continue playing his favorite game, Rummikub. "Mr. Bob" will be fondly remembered by his friends, neighbors, and hospice nurses. The family is grateful for their love and support through this difficult time. Robert was preceded in death by his parents: the late Anna L. Montgomery and John J. Montgomery as well as a brother, the late Johnny Montgomery. He is survived by: daughter Nanette Walsh and her husband Zane of Fayetteville, NC; son Robert Montgomery, Jr. of Gastonia, NC; son John Montgomery of Anderson, SC; son Kevin Montgomery of Dallas, NC; son Dennis Montgomery and his wife Lisa of Kings Mountain, NC; daughter Cherie Furr and her husband Jeremy of Simpsonville, SC; daughter Jenny Montgomery of Queens, NY; daughter Christy Patton and her husband Kyle of Brooklyn, NY; daughter Lindsey Parte and her husband Jason of Hazlet, NJ; son Matthew Montgomery and his fiancé Ashley Maxson of Atlantic Heights, NJ; daughter Molly Montgomery of Locust, NJ; sister Joanne McGrath of Richmond, VA; 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont, with Celebrant Abbott Placid Solari, OBS Rosary will be 5:30 p.m. Saturday at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. following the Rosary. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia, with Father Adrian Harmening, OSB officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project atwww.woundedwarriorproject.org or mail to 4200 Morganton Road, Suite 300 Fayetteville, NC 28314. Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Montgomery family.
Published in Gaston Gazette on June 16, 2012