Gary Lee Montgomery passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 78. He was born on December 6, 1944 to JD and Arlene Montgomery in Wellston, OK and was a 1963 graduate of Chandler (OK) High School. After graduating, Gary attended Oklahoma State University until March 1966, when he signed up for the United States Army. While serving in the Army, he obtained the rank of Lieutenant and served in The Republic of South Vietnam. In 1969, he received a Bronze Star for service and was honorably discharged. Upon leaving the Army, Gary received his Bachelors Degree of Science in Education from Central State University in Edmond, OK, his Masters from East Central State University in Ada, OK, and his Principals Certificate from the University of Oklahoma. A life long educator and coach, with stops along his journey in Kiefer, Okemah, Bowlegs, Arkoma, Barnsdall, Eastern Oklahoma State College (Wilburton), and Panama in Oklahoma and River Valley Christian School (Ft. Smith), Green Forest, and Paris in Arkansas. Each one of these stops formed lasting friendships and memories he greatly treasured. After retiring from education, he and his wife spent several years RV'ing, spending the summers in northern New Mexico and the winters in South Texas where many more friends and memories were made.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Detra of Jenks, OK, a daughter Jamie Bird and husband Brandon of Jenks OK, a son Jay Montgomery of Tulsa, OK, two beautiful granddaughters, Brooklyn and Jenna, one sister Joy Sullivan and husband Loyal of Chandler OK, two nieces TJ Abbott of Perkins OK and Shelly Sullivan of Frisco TX. One nephew Monty Sullivan and wife Jamy of Grapvine TX, and niece Shelly Miland and husband Doug of Grapevine, TX, 6 great nieces and nephews, and 6 great great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents JD Montgomery and Arlene Montgomery, one sister Sharon Clary, brother in law's Denver Spence and Max Clary, nephew Todd Spence and nieces Sherry O'Leary and Leslie Evans

Graveside services will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson, OK. Gary's life was about making a difference, he loved education, coaching, and making a difference in those he met. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if you choose, find a local booster club, academic club, music club, animal shelter, anything to support your local community.

Obit from Moore Funeral Home, Tulsa OK, courtesy of Linda Anderson