Paul J. Montgomery

Paul Joseph Montgomery, 74, of Fort Smith, passed away on Sunday November 29, 2015 in Fort Smith. He was born September 6, 1941 in Ozark, AR to Clarence Carmon and Naoma Tilitha Smith Montgomery. Paul graduated from Ozark High School in 1960 where he lettered in Football and Basketball. He was selected by the All-Star Coaching Staff to participate in the All-Star football game in 1960 representing the West. After graduation, he joined the National Guard in Ozark, AR and became a member of Charlie Battery of the 142nd Field Artillery. He served the Fort Smith Police Department as an Officer from 1964 to 1972. Paul, along with Rodney Cook and Johnny Hartsfield, were the three men responsible for the building of Southside High School Stadium, which was built with volunteer laborers and community contributions. Paul also made sure that Northside High School had new goal-post and a 25 second clock donated by Coca Cola. He purchased a historical home built in the 1880’s, which was scheduled for demolition, because he did not want the community to lose the rare architecture. He restored the home according to Fort Smith Historical guidelines, and the home is located at 506 North 6th Street in Fort Smith. Paul was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, Sebastian Masonic Lodge 706, an avid Razorback fan, and served as President of both Chaffin and Southside Booster Clubs. Paul was a store manager and salesman for Brambles Equipment Company at his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Caroline Montgomery of Fort Smith; three sons, Paul J. Montgomery, II and wife Yvette of Fort Smith, Christopher and wife DeLinda Montgomery of Fort Smith, and Clint Montgomery of Fort Smith; two sisters, Wealthia Hope of Tulsa, OK and Claudine Keller of Alma, AR; one half sister, Armita Umholtz of Ozark, AR; one brother, Lester Powell of Ozark; one half brother, Joe Powell of Ozark; three grandchildren, Paul Trey Montgomery III, Madison Montgomery, and Clay Montgomery; step granddaughters, Jadyn Ketter, Jennifer Kelly, and Brittany Roderick and many nieces and nephews and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and older brother, James Montgomery of Ozark.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Oak Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM. Memorial may be made to Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter, 310 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com