Elton "Monty" Montgomery

Elton “Monty” Mack Montgomery, 93, of Graham, Texas, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at his home in Graham. Private family graveside will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Pioneer Cemetery and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Monty was born November 25, 1930, in Roe, Arkansas to the late Johnny Mack and Lucille Thomas Montgomery. He graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1948 at the age of 17, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Betty Wadsworth Montgomery.

With his parents' permission, Mack, as he was known as a boy, enlisted in the United States Air Force. The Arkansas boy, Mack, became the serviceman, Monty, and he turned 18 years of age on the boat over to Europe where he was stationed in Germany for two years. 

After his discharge, Monty took advantage of the GI Bill to pursue a law degree. He enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin, and married Betty on April 2, 1953. While in law school, he worked as a painter, a janitor, or any job that would help to support his growing family. Upon graduating in 1957, Monty moved his family to Graham, Texas. 

Monty loved his community and over the course of his sixty-six years in Graham, he was active in the Graham Noon Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, School Board, and the Hospital Board. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and loved to attend early church and Sunday School, sharing coffee and conversation with friends while worshipping the Lord.

In addition to his law practice, Monty developed a passion for the oil and gas industry in Texas, with its risks and rewards, and the timber business in Arkansas that literally took him back to his roots. His work ethic was unmatched; never one to retire, he was working on deals up until the day he died.

Monty was a true family man and loyal friend who cherished and nurtured his relationships that spanned generations. He was one of a kind, with a great sense of humor. Monty always had a story or joke to tell, some not so appropriate! Anyone who knew him has at least one  “Monty” story to tell.  He was a true individual who lived his life on his terms. He was a character for sure—a man of strong character. He will be missed, remembered and treasured in our hearts forever.

Survivors include: son, Clint Montgomery and wife, Roxann, of Keller; daughter, Tami Greer and husband, Jeff, of New Braunfels. Grandchildren: Traci Houston and husband, Bill; Ami Roberson and husband, Mike; Jennifer Oliva and husband DJ; James Greer and wife, Kharis; Sam Greer; Eric Montgomery and Alexis Montgomery. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren, a brother, Tom Montgomery of Pine Bluff, AR; a sister, Freda Council and husband, Don, of Little Rock, AR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Monty was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, daughter, Cynthia Montgomery Tiernan, parents and younger sister, Wilma Montgomery Mitchell.

The family would like to thank Mandy Kellar, for being a special part of our family—we love you. Many thanks to Amy Rodgers and Taylor Reynolds from Beyond Faith Home Health for their loving care and to Brayden Tucker. A special thank you to Tommye Ann Leitner Montgomery, who filled the last twelve years of his life with much love and happiness— Monty adored you.

Memorials may be donated to the First United Methodist Church of Graham Memorial Fund, Meals on Wheels, and Virginia’s House.