Judge Mark Gonzalo Montiel Sr. (62) died unexpectedly January 2, 2020 at his longtime home in Montgomery, Alabama. He is predeceased by his father Gonzalo Fitch Montiel and his mother Voncile Long Buffat. He is survived by his children Lucile Frazier Pilkerton (Jonathan), Mark Gonzalo Montiel, Jr. (Michelle), and Mackenzie Grace Montiel, his brothers Robert Michael Montiel (Antionette) and William Richardo Montiel (Mindy), his grandchildren Anne Lucile Pilkerton, Helen Elizabeth Montiel, and Mary Wells Pilkerton. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Honey, Baby, and Pumpkin.
Mark was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He attended University Military School in Mobile. He graduated from The University of South Alabama and attended Law School at the University of Alabama. Mark served as Legal Advisor to Governor Guy Hunt, as a Circuit Judge, and as a Criminal Appeals Judge. Although he developed a no-nonsense reputation in criminal law, Mark was extremely proud to be part of the Five Judge Panel that acquitted Walter McMillian for a murder he did not commit, later cinematized in the 2019 film “Just Mercy.”
Upon entering private practice Mark zealously represented his clients for many years. Never one to shy away from a fight, Mark took on partisan redistricting, parking cameras, State budgets, tax increases, and other conservative causes. He believed strongly in government accountability, which eventually lead to him become a Radio Talk Show Host in the River Region. Many listeners found Mark’s no holds barred style to be a breath of fresh air in local and state Politics.
Mark’s friends and family will miss his daily Facebook musings, his hot political takes, and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in.
Pallbearers will be Douglas L. Anderson, H. William Wasden, Michael M. Eley, Branch D. Kloess, Dr. Harrell Bullard, Robert Lee DeMoss III Harrison Frazier Carter, and Mark D. Wilkerson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2020 with Minister John Schmidt officiating. Visitation to be held one hour prior to the service.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and in support of Mark’s love of animals, please donate to the Montgomery Humane Society.
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