DONALD WILBUR MONTGOMERY,

was born on May 5, 1928, in Donaldson, Arkansas, the last of five children born to Calvin Thomas and Amelia (Martin) Montgomery. He died Friday, August 20, 2021, at Baptist Hospital. An Air Force veteran, he was retired from Delta Air Lines, an extraordinary Christian of the Baptist faith, a self-taught master gardener, lover of family, music and sports, an avid reader, awesome husband, father and father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many. Donald Montgomery loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and might and was a member of Crystal Hill Baptist Church. He was a former 50 year member and deacon at Tyler Street Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, all of his siblings, son, Paul Montgomery, grandson, Brad Bemberg, Sr., and granddaughter, Margie Bethea. Surviving him are his wife of 70 years and the love of his life, Patsy (Varnell) Montgomery; daughters, Donna Wagner (Tom), Mary Beth Bemberg and Pam Montgomery Bethea; grandchildren, Alex Bethea, Jenny Parkhurst, and Mathias Wagner; and great-grandchildren, Brad Bemberg II, Smith and Grey Parkhurst, Alex P. and Coda Bethea. The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the exceptional care provided during his brief stay in the Hospice Ward at Baptist Hospital.

Visitation is Thursday, August 26, at 10 a.m., with the service following at 11 a.m., at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock. Due to Covid-19, masks are preferred but not required. Memorials may be made to Crystal Hill Baptist Church, 18823 Crystal Valley Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72210. Online guestbook: www.smithfamilycares.com.