Robert Ray Montgomery, 86, of Morrisonville, passed away at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2020 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Ray was born September 9, 1933 in Decatur, the son of Robert Guy and Grace Mae (Van Houten) Montgomery. He married Phyllis Mae Hancock on September 9, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Morrisonville, and she preceded him in death on January 24, 1993. Ray then married Jean (McKinnie) Kraner on October 2, 1993 at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrisonville, and she survives him.
Ray was raised in Clay County, and attended Louisville schools. He proudly served our country in the United States Navy, serving in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. Ray went on to retire from the Navy, in 1973, as a Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate. He then worked for Sears in Decatur, the City of Morrisonville, and then Sears in Springfield, where he retired.
Ray was a true patriot, and he lived his life with a desire to serve his community. He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisonville, volunteering his time in many facets of the church. Ray was also dedicated to the American Legion Post #721, where he served as commander, and was currently the chaplain. He was also a member of the Morrisonville Masonic Lodge No. 681, Christian County Shrine Club, and the International Order of Odd Fellows in Palmer. Ray served as past Fire Chief of the Morrisonville-Palmer Fire Protection District, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Morrisonville Community Ambulance Service. He enjoyed attending the USS Loeser Reunions, and feeding the birds and squirrels in the yard. Out of all his accomplishments in life, Ray was most proud of his children and grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patricia Lea Montgomery; son, Douglas Wayne Montgomery; and daughter-in-law, Arlene Kay Montgomery.
Ray is also survived by his children, Robert (wife, Della) Montgomery of Morrisonville, Don Montgomery of Loami, Judy Hunt of Raymond, David (wife, Sarah) Montgomery of Mound City, MO, and Amy (husband, Dan) Schmedeke of Morrisonville; 21 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; siblings, Carol Oliver of San Jose, CA, Tyler (wife, Linda) Montgomery of Beverly Hills, FL, Jim (wife, Susie) Montgomery of Taylorville, and Grace Arlene Kidd of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church, 111 North Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546.
A private memorial ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrisonville, with Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating.
Inurnment with military honors will follow the ceremony at Morrisonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Morrisonville Community Ambulance, PO Box 641, Morrisonville, IL 62546, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Donations of food may be brought to the American Legion Post #721 in Morrisonville on Saturday morning.
The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
