William Jackson Montgomery

Surrounded by God's love and family, William Jackson Montgomery passed away Monday, July 21, 2008, at home. Born May 18, 1929, in Tyler, Texas, Jack was the only son of Helen Norris and William Otis Montgomery. Raised in Roswell, New Mexico, he received a scholarship to New Mexico Military Institute, where he was a cadet major, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the ROTC and graduated in 1949. In 1951 Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a BS in Chemical Engineering. In addition, he served in the Army Reserves through 1954 when he was awarded an honorary discharge as a First Lieutenant. It was also in Roswell, New Mexico, when in junior high school, Jack met the love of his life, Mary Charlotte Spencer. On Sunday, June 17, 1951, he married Mary in the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell. Their marriage of 57 years was filled with passion, adventure, challenge, commitment, laughter and great joy. In 1951, a dedicated "company man", Jack began a long and fulfilling career with Amoco Corporation spanning 39 years. His first assignment was as a research engineer in Texas City, Texas. In 1956, he was promoted to the position of Senior Chemical Engineer in Yorktown, Virginia. Later, in 1962, Jack became a manager of international trading in the Amoco New York City office. Moving to Tehran, Iran, from 1969 to 1976 Jack continued his corporate assent, first as Vice President and then President of Amoco Iran - Amoco Corporation. A final move in 1976 brought Jack to Chicago where he held the position of General Manager of crude oil supply and in 1988 Corporate Vice President of Supply. Upon retirement he and Mary moved to Lakeway, Texas to be closer to their daughters. Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughters Sarah Stone and husband, Steve, San Antonio, Texas; Susan Rainey and husband, David, San Angelo, Texas; Carol Ellen Montgomery and partner, Michele Hearrean, Dallas, Texas; Grandchildren: Russell Stone, Ponder, Texas, Ashley Stone Shepard and husband, Captain Travis Shepard, Las Vegas, Nevada; Christy Rainey Vick and husband, Nathan, San Angelo, Texas, Matthew Rainey, San Angelo, Texas; Elliese Montgomery-Shaughnessy and Amelia Montgomery-Shaughnessy , Dallas, Texas; great granddaughters Caroline Grace Vick, Caitlin Faith Vick and Savannah Ryan Shepard. A family man first, Jack was always involved in his girls' schools functions, active in PTA, and served as a Deacon and Elder for the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Petroleum Institute, NMMI Association, Crossed Sabers Society, Kappa Sigma and the Republican Party. His time spent volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program of Austin brought him great joy. He enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, and fast cars. A big man with a large heart he will be greatly missed by family, friends and his beloved Andy. A memorial service will be Saturday, July 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeway Church with Brent Graham officiating. Internment will be in South Park Cemetery, Roswell, New Mexico. Donations may be made to Lakeway Church, Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.