Raymond Montgomery

Raymond W. Montgomery, 82, of Mansfield, died Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Kingston of Ashland. Born October 31, 1926 in Texas, he was the son of Grady and Frankie Addison Montgomery. He served in the U.S. Army. Ray was employed in car sales for over 50 years. In the 1950's he was a used car manager at Spitzer's in Columbus, and in the early 1960's, at Morehead Ford. In the 1970's he was a used car manager at Bill Call Chevrolet in Galion, and in the early 1980's, at Graham Chevrolet. In 1983 he started Ray Montgomery Motors where he served generations of people in the community who remember his honesty and caring nature. Family was very important to Ray and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays were cherished, and the Easter egg hunts were always special. Ray enjoyed stock car racing, watching the Cleveland Indians, and traveling.

He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim Browning of Mansfield; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Bonnie Montgomery of Chantilly, Virginia, Terry Montgomery, and Mark and Linda Montgomery, all of Mansfield; grandchildren, Rev. Brent Starla Salyers, Vince Rhonda Salyers, Jeremy Mary Amber Hughes, Lisa Jay Rothhaar, Nikki Kendricks, Monica Rick Badgley, Kristen Montgomery, Josh Montgomery, and Jen Craig Welter; 19 great-grandchildren with the 20th coming soon; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy Lee Lola Montgomery, and Grady Eunice Montgomery, Jr.; sisters, Mildred Wilson, and Pat Montgomery, all of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 2007 by his wife of almost 30 years, Mary; and five siblings.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Primrose Retirement Community and Kingston of Ashland for the loving care they gave their father.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home conducted by Ray's grandson, Rev. Brent Salyers. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Primrose Activity Fund.