Gary Michael "Mike" Montgomery

Gary Michael (Mike) Montgomery affectionately known as ‘Shorty’, was born December 2, 1949 and died Saturday, February 17, 2024. Around the age of two he came to live with Levi & Lydia Montgomery where he became the oldest of six children. On September 9, 1972 he married Marie Jamison and they shared the joys and sorrows of life together for over 51 years. They were baptized together in May 1976 and became members of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, although he was not in fellowship at his passing. To this union was born two daughters, Monica and Melanie.

Mike owned and operated Montgomery’s Body Shop in Burnt Chimney until 1992 and after that in Redwood for several years. He was a charter member of the Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department serving until 1992 and Glade Hill Volunteer Fire Department after moving to that area.

In October 2022 he suffered a stroke causing medical complications. After this he was lovingly cared for at home by his family and special caregivers, Mary Brubaker and Jason Brubaker. On February 17, 2024, he peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Monica Austin five weeks earlier; his parents; a brother, Lowell; sister, Parthenia Montgomery; brother-in-law, Barry Patterson; grandparents, Joel and Annie Montgomery and Roy and Ada Denlinger.

He is survived by his wife; son-in-law, Bradley Austin; daughter, Melanie (Matt) Fitzgerald; granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Don) Flora and Nicole Austin; brother, Calvin (Pauline); sisters, Lareda Patterson and Wanita (Stephen) Rutrough; sister-in-law, Marti Montgomery; father and mother-in-law, Ellis and Rachel Jamison; sisters-in-law, Ida Mae (Billy) Peters, Opal (Dwaine) Montgomery, Florence (Delmar) Bowman, Helen (Gary) Rutrough, Ethel (Richard) Ronk, Alma (Clifton) Ronk, Barbara (Chester) Bowman and Rebecca (Melvin) Metzger; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 5-8 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The funeral will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. All arrangements will be held at Oak Hill Old German Baptist Brethren Church, located at 101 Elam Lane, Boones Mill, Virginia 24065. The Home Brethren will be officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.