Gerald Michael Montgomery

Jerry was born in Walterboro, S.C., in 1942, the first of three children born to parents, William and B. Leslie. He was an avid reader throughout his life, his years of formal education concluding with a master of arts degree from the University of Florida. He became the instructor of popular technical theater arts courses at a southeastern liberal arts college and later the technical director for the Forum Theater, a community theater in Atlanta, Ga. His love of theater was obvious in his recounting of stories in vivid detail!

His abilities and talents were many and varied. Over the years, he wore many hats; he designed and constructed theater sets, was the manager of Georgia Outdoors (camping and hiking outfitters,) was a call center specialist at the original Home Depot in Atlanta and was the administrator of the largest Christian counseling center in the area, also in Atlanta.

He owned and operated a campground in the hills of North Carolina for eight years with his second wife and earned his CDL so that he could deliver Class A motor homes from maker to dealer in the off season. He loved to travel and knew every interstate highway in our country very well.

Jerry was always active in the churches he belonged to; from singing tenor/baritone in the choir, to being chair of elders. He was active in community chorus groups and in grassroots politics. Jerry cared about people and they knew it. His positive outlook helped him to survive three massive heart attacks decades ago and made him an encourager of others, helping others to realize their potential and to have hope for the future.

He was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Matthew; and his previous wife of 30 years, Merelyn, whom he lovingly cared for throughout her 12 year battle with cancer.

Jerry is survived by his third wife, Janice; sister, Sally (Stan) Seigler; numerous nephews and nieces and their children; as well as Merelyn’s children, whom he loved as his own, R. Edward Jr., Ted, Johnny Weathersbee, Gloria (Steve) Cochran and Deborah Vorhauer and their children and grandchildren.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia, Wash., with Brian Carter officiating. A reception will follow the service in the chapel’s Hospitality Room. Inurnment will follow at a later date with a private ceremony.

Memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, or a charity of the giver’s choice.