Robert Edward Montgomery

HE STOPPED LOVING HER TODAY……… Robert Edward Montgomery of West Columbia, SC, 83, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. He was known by family and friends as “Bob Ed”, a double name that every good southern boy had. He was born in Union City, TN to Robert Nixon and Mary Elizabeth Montgomery.

When he graduated from high school, he joined the Marine Corp at Parris Island, SC where he went in a boy and came out a man. It was during his time in South Carolina that his dress blue uniform and boyish good looks wooed the affections of his life-long love, Sharon Lee Bryan of Cayce, SC. After his service in the Military, Bob Ed enrolled at Memphis State University, married his love, Sharon, and together they raised three of the finest children: his oldest and his number one daughter who could do no wrong, Elisa Montgomery Edwards, his only son that inherited his great sense of humor, Bryan Edward Montgomery (Brooke), and his youngest daughter that actually made his hair turn gray and turn loose, Mary Cecil Moyers (Jay). After Bob Ed graduated from Memphis State, he pursued his passion of flying and became an Air traffic Controller. His career allowed him to travel and live in the Panama Canal Zone, Columbia, SC and Memphis, TN where he kept the airways safe for flying. Bob Ed had a passion for flying. He and his brother Mike both obtained their flying licenses and spent many hours flying around the southeast for pleasure. After retiring from the FAA, he continued his second career working at Federal Express. His propensity to always be 15 minutes early ensured that he would have a successful second career. After September 2001, Bob Ed and Sharon decided to move back to South Carolina so that they could be closer to family and of course his favorite daughter. He retired from FedEx in 2013 and decided retirement and an easy chair was not for him. He became a school crossing guard to ensure all children were safe in walking to school.

U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon, Ben Cartwright, and Lucas McCain were his heroes. George Jones, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn were his musical inspirations, and he and Andy Griffin shared many life lessons together. Before the internet, he was the walking google. You could ask him any questions and he always had the answer. He kept his wit sharp by playing Jeopardy nightly with Alex Trebec and Ken Jennings.

Bob Ed was an excellent family physician. He could cure an earache by ironing a warm towel and holding it to your ear. He could get rid of warts by rubbing a sliced potato on them and burying it in the backyard on a full moon. He could calm a teething baby by rubbing a little whiskey on their gums. Celebrity Chefs wanted to be him - He was known as Barbecue Bob, and during all major holidays he was always grilling a hunk of meat on his homemade oil barrel grill. His secret family barbeque sauce kept many guessing about the ingredients, but it will forever remain a secret that definitely went with him to his grave. Every Sunday you were sure to find a pot of Chili cooking in his cast iron pot that was so well seasoned that it would leave even the greatest chefs still scratching their heads. Screaming babies were no match for this baby whisperer. His gentle nature and round belly served as a platform for babies to calm down and fall asleep. His love for animals was evident to the animal kingdom as all strays of every creature always ended up on his doorstep. His latest best friend “Scooby” was sitting on the side of the road as a puppy and flashed his big brown eyes at him.

Bob Ed was predeceased in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Elizabeth Montgomery; his brother, Michael Montgomery; his wife, Sharon; and many family and friends. Besides his children, he leaves behind his legacy to his favorite niece, Tiffany Taylor (John); and “wrastling” buddy and nephew, Brandon Montgomery; his favorite grandchildren, Ethan Montgomery, Emily Edwards, Brandon Edwards, Jeremy Moyers (Ashley), Camp Moyers, Maddie Moyers and Matthew Montgomery.

A celebration of life will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

Before passing, Bob Ed forged a trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, and wisdom. Cremation will take place at the family’s convenience and his ashes will be kept around as long as they match the décor. His remains will eventually be placed at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery with his wife Sharon Bryan Montgomery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Montgomery family.