Barry Bruce Montgomery

Barry Bruce Montgomery, better known as Dad, Grandad, and The Godfather of South Knoxville , left this world to be with Jesus and his wife, Claudia on May 13, 2025. After many years of fighting health battles, we know he is healed and finally at rest!

Dad was born in Columbia, Tennessee on September 11, 1955. In 1962, dad’s family moved to Knoxville where he would plant roots and build a foundation on love and care. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, dad’s desires included anything that involved a combustible engine, and a beautiful young lady named Claudia Bunn. It was often said that the only way he won mom’s love and attention was through his custom vehicles with lavishing features. However, mom saw something that everyone who knew dad would eventually come to see; a loving and caring man who would give you the shirt off his back. Mom and Dad married in 1977, starting an adventure that lasted 47 years. Dad followed in his father’s footsteps after graduating from Young High School, opening a service station off Sevier Avenue, and later Chapman Enterprises on Chapman Highway in south Knoxville, with the help of his parents.

Dad loved working on cars and helping others by providing honest and loyal care but his love for his family took precedence. This was evident by him closing the service station and only keeping Chapman Enterprises open to spend more time with his family. Dad loved being outdoors, camping nearly every weekend possible and floating on his pontoon boat somewhere in East Tennessee. As a true family man, Dad loved his parents, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, friends, employees, children, grandchildren, and most of all, his wife. Dad followed mom in attending Colonial Heights United Methodist church, always seeking to help serve in any aspect possible. However, Dad’s true ministry was at the shop.

Dad showed the love of Christ outside of the church walls through the ministry he unknowingly developed at Chapman. There was always someone seeking help, outside of vehicle repairs, with an unbiased or unhindered response from a man who truly cared for others. Dad’s legacy is a life of service harmonized with the fruits of the Spirit, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death include his true love and wife, Claudia Bunn Montgomery, immediate family members: mother, Dorothy Montgomery; father, Bruce Hardison Montgomery Jr.; brother, Bruce Hardison Montgomery III; father-in-law Dr. Raymond Bunn; and mother-in-law, Nolita Marie Bunn. He is survived by his brothers, Kenneth Hardison Montgomery (Kathy), William Robert Montgomery (Laura), brother and sisters-in-law: Sandra Alsup and spouse Kurt Kemper; Donna Shinlever and spouse Rev. Kenneth Shinlever; Sharon Alsup and spouse John Murphy; Carol Sparks; Laura Webster and spouse Greg; and brother-in-law Harrison Alsup and spouse Laurie. He is also survived by his children and grandchildren: Adam Montgomery with Finley and Eleanor; Scott Montgomery and his spouse Katie with Scarlett and Oaklynn; and Sally Jones with her spouse D.J.

Family and friends will gather to honor the legacy of Barry on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with a visitation from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and a funeral service to follow at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Family and friends will meet at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 for a committal service on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00am with Rev. Scott Montgomery to officiate the services. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Montgomery family at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666