Mr. Samuel Montgomery

Samuel Montgomery was born November 23, 1926 in Quitman, Texas to parents, Robert and Eva Montgomery. Samuel was the first born to this union, his sister Ella soon followed. After the passing of his father at age eight, his step-father, Noble McGee was a part of his journey until his passing.

As a young boy, the family moved several times. Samuel attended school in Sinton, Texas and later graduated from Quitman Colored High School in Quitman, Texas. He later would become a member of the United States Army and departed service with Military Honors. As a young adult, he attended Prairie View A & M College, where his studies were in Agriculture. He also had a brief tenure as an instructor, where he taught Agriculture in Belton, Texas.

Samuel would later become an alumnus to what is now one of nine Texas Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Prairie View A & M University. It was at this institution of higher education that he established himself within the Office of Registrar and held the position of Registrar, a job that he truly loved. Samuel also headed the Association of College Officers. He served as first vice president of the National Association of College Deans, Registrars and Admissions Officers, until moving up to the position of president in 1981-82. He had served in administrative capacities at the University since 1955, after also completing studies there. He loved interacting with the student body, and remained good friends with many of the students long after their studies there. He was also instrumental in helping many students receive financial aid. Introducing the homecoming half time festivities of the Prairie View Marching Band and Black Fox Dancers, was one of his true highlights. Even after retiring after 34 years of service, the University invited him to work there three times as interterm registrar, and he was proud to serve.

Samuel made his home in Hempstead, Texas for many years and enjoyed members of his community, where he had numerous friends that he would delight in talking about, and sharing their accolades with his family. His nieces would often tease him that they were not the only ones to call him ‘Uncle Sam’. Many would refer to him the same way, a tribute to his kindness. He was involved in and held positions in many organizations, like The Kiwanis Organization where he served as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International Texas/Oklahoma District 9, and The Retired Teachers Association where he was chosen by the nominating committee District VI, and served as president for two years. These were only a couple of organizations in which he was involved.

Samuel or Sam as many called him, took pride in his attire, had an infectious laugh, and took pride in his hobbies of canning preserves and gardening. His life’s journey after full retirement continued to be filled with blessings from the Lord God. He stated, “I am in full discipleship, helping wherever I can”. He would often travel to Houston and beyond to visit sick and shut-in family and friends. He would often say, and later print on his business cards, “If you will be the thunder … I will be the lightning”.

Mr. Montgomery was a truly faithful Christian and servant. He was a long-standing member of New Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hempstead, Texas, where he was a dutiful servant. His church life activities had always been at the center of his life. The ministries of his involvement include: Trustee Board, Chair SPRC, Finance Committee, and Sunday school. He served a total of twelve years as a delegate with the Texas Annual Conference – General Conference of the United Methodist Church. He had the privilege of serving on the Board of Higher Education and Ministry for eight years, and volunteered in numerous other activities. Samuel would rise early on Sunday mornings to assist by opening the doors of the church and making preparation for Sunday worship.

In 2016 he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he was surrounded by and was closer to family. Thereupon he moved his membership to Church of the Disciple Methodist Church in Desoto, Texas.

He once penned a letter in which it stated: “Thursday morning at 3:30 in the morning. I had prayed to our Lord Jesus that he would awaken me real early, and he did, and I feel real good”. The letter concluded: “… trust with assurance that Uncle Samuel Loves the Lord Jesus, and I will serve him for the rest of my journey”.

Early on Sunday morning, October 18, 2020, Samuel took his journey to be with his Lord and Savior.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents Robert, Eva and his only nephew Mackeroy Robert Tuck. He leaves to cherish thoughts of him; his sister, Ella M. Tuck, three nieces Ava Tuck, Vicki Tuck, Karla Tuck-Millender, a host of dear cousins and extended family that he cherished, and numerous friends that he adored.