John Edward Montgomery III passed away comfortably and peacefully at the age of 99 years. He was surrounded by his family to the end.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eleanor Moffatt Montgomery of 65 years and followed by his cherished wife of 10 years, Lovie Kilgore Montgomery. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John E Montgomery Jr, Kathleen Montgomery, his brother Robert Montgomery, and his great-granddaughter Annie Montgomery.
He is survived by his daughter Patsy (Chuck) Thomas and his two sons Johnny (Helen) and Louis (Katherine) Montgomery. His grandchildren John (EA) Montgomery, Lauren (John) Malloch, Bryan (Liz) Reynolds, Rollins Montgomery, Pearson Montgomery, Greer (Kyle) Weeks, and Warren (Hannah) Montgomery, as well as his seventeen great-grandchildren.
John was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama where he attended Phillips High School. Upon graduation, he enrolled in Auburn University where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
His college career was interrupted by World War II. In that, he served as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater. He was a fighter pilot and escorted B-29 bombers over Tokyo, Japan flying a P-51 Mustang fighter plane. His crew was based on Iwo Jima after the United States Marines took the island for the Allied Forces.
After WWII, he was recalled to active duty to fight in the Korean War. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1953.
After his military career, he went into business with General Walter Hanna and served as President of Hanna Steel Corporation in Fairfield, AL until 1990 when he retired and sold his interest in the company. Post retirement, he was called by his family and friends to lead again and purchased another steel business, Southland Tube where he served as Chairman Emeritus until the company was sold in 2017 to Nucor.
He was a man of strong faith. He was an active parishioner of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church and in his later years became a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood.
An avid golfer, he enjoyed the fellowship of many friends at Vestavia Country Club in his leisure time, and was one of the early members of Shoal Creek.
He loved Auburn football where he attended many games starting back when he was a student and the Tigers played in front of a small crowd that sat in bleachers on the Plains. He believed in Auburn and was a longtime supporter of Auburn Athletics.
John’s passion for dancing was renowned, and he delighted in showcasing his talents on the dance floor. In retirement, he loved spending time with his family at their beach condo in Destin, FL.
Above all else, he was a true family man who cherished his time with his children and grandchildren more than anything.
John will always be remembered for his charm and spirit that could brighten any room and mood.
Also many thanks to Naomi, Seline, Mary Katherine, and Jane our wonderful caregivers who took such great care of John in his last days.
The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service.
