Donald Joe Montgomery

Donald Joe Montgomery Sr, 80, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, September 25, 2016. He was called Joe by all that knew him and was quite possibly the most interesting, generous, and loved man in the world. In 1936 Joe was born in Carter County, Kentucky to his loving parents Reverend A.E. and Mabel Montgomery.

There is no way to fully describe Joe on paper because he was quite honestly bigger than words. Above all, Joe was a Godly man who loved and served our Lord with his whole heart. He loved to attend Church and was a Deacon at The Church of God of Prophecy where he served on the State Finance Committee for 14 years and was an Elder at the Shelby Journey Life Center. He was treasured and respected by all that knew him. Joe was so very proud of his family and on more than one occasion was known to say, "Boy, we are a good-lookin’ bunch!"

Joe was a proud Veteran of the Marine Corp where he served our Country as a Sargent. Joe had a love for stock cars and racing, and he won many races in his renowned ‘8 Ball’ stock car. Joe was also a small business owner. He owned and operated Joe's Auto & Equipment Sales for 50 plus years before passing it on to his sons. Joe loved playing in the dirt, and did so frequently on his bull dozer and other heavy equipment. Joe and his wife Sondra loved to travel. They were known to pack up their motor home and leave for Florida, Tennessee, or Kentucky on any given whim.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Reverend A.E. Montgomery; mother Mabel (Elliot) Montgomery; and grandson, Braden Griffitts.

Joe loved his big and loud family. He is survived by his loving wife, Sondra Montgomery of Mansfield; brother, Ronald Montgomery of Butler; sister, Trish (Joe) Gaither of Drakesboro, KY; children, Donald Joe (Benita) Montgomery Jr of Mansfield; Michael (Jenny) Montgomery of Woodstock, GA; Pixie (Coby) Griffitts of Mansfield; grandchildren Candace (Michael) Lybarger of Lucas; Megan (Warren) Barfield of Franklin, TN; Brittany (Keith) Phillips of Dunnellon, FL; Amanda (Marcus) Epneris of Bellville; Ashley & Jessica Montgomery of Woodstock, GA; and Chloe Montgomery of Mansfield. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Arbor & Asher Lybarger of Lucas; Montgomery & Ada Beth Barfield of Franklin, TN; Abbey & Wyatt Phillips of Dunnellon, FL; and Brinly & Brielle Epneris of Bellville.

Visitation will be held at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, on Thursday September, 29 2016 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Dr. Bruce A. Philippi. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Park.

The world grew a little darker when we lost Joe on Sunday evening, but heaven is shining so much brighter. The family would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Hospice of North Central Ohio and Journey Life Center where Memorial Contributions can be made.

Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com