A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Puter Montgomery, Jr. will be noon Saturday, September 9, 2017 at New Life  Church in Athens, Alabama, with Pastor Antoyne Green, officiating and inhumation in Calvary Memorial Gardens in Decatur, Alabama. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to the service. Public viewing will be Thursday, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Friday, from 10:00 am - 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Funeral Home.

Puter Montgomery, Jr. was born November 20, 1941 in Decatur, AL.  He was the second oldest son of five siblings born to the late  Puter Sr. & Ora Lee Williams Montgomery. After a lengthy illness and according to our heavenly Father’s calling, he transitioned from this earthly life to enjoy peace and rest on Thursday, August 31, 2017.

He declared his salvation to our Lord Jesus Christ at Springhill  M. B. Church in Decatur, AL at an early age.  He united with the 2nd M. B. Church in Kokomo, IN under the leadership of The Rev. Dr. Lloyd F. Burton and The Rev. Melvin Bellamy and the Little Ezekiel M. B. Church under the leadership of The Rev. Willie Byrd and The Rev. Charles Simmons.  He later united with his wife and daughter at the New Life Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Antoyne L. Green where he attended faithfully.  Wherever he was, he always had a heart for encouraging and providing guidance to the men of the church. 

Puter Jr. attended Lakeside High School graduating in 1960 holding the office of Class Business Manager. He married the love of his life, Armelia (Malone) Montgomery, on June 20, 1961 in Belle Mina, AL. To this union two children were born.  Desiring more for his family than what the 1960’s Alabama could offer, he and his bride relocated north with his older brother, Willie Howard (W.H.) and wife Barbara, settling in Kokomo, IN. After brief employment at the Kings Crown Inn, he was hired at the Chrysler Transmission Plant in 1963.  He continued his education which advanced him to supervisor and later, finding his niche as a machine repairman in the skilled trades. He had an avid work ethic and retired from Chrysler at the early age of 54 after 32 years of employment.   

He was lovingly known as “Daddy”, “Brother”, “Poo-Pah” and “Monte”.  He loved life and cherished his family.  He was a very practical, “no nonsense” man of integrity with sound financial judgment. He adored bowling, had a passion for outdoors, and could repair almost anything.  He took pride in all the provisions, basic needs and material possessions God granted him and his family. He truly adored his wife, children, grandson and great-grandson.  He provided well for his family but he also prepared them for life’s triumphs, challenges and disappointments. Everyone knew how he loved to share his personal life stories as moral lessons and always believed in stocking up - never purchasing just one. 

Puter Jr. leaves to hold many precious memories his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Armelia Malone Montgomery of Athens, AL; his daughter, Masheldia (Larry) Montgomery Green of Tanner, AL; son, Pernell (Shannon) Montgomery of Kokomo, IN, grandson; Justin (Brittany) Montgomery Turner; and great-grandson, Greyson Jeffrey Turner of Chicago, IL; his brother, W. H. (Barbara) Montgomery of Tacoma, WA; sisters, Dean (Phil) Bullick of Kokomo, IN, Linda (Ted) Walton of Huntsville, AL and Elaine (James) Rowell II of Florence, AL;  sister-in-law, Lucy Pearl Gill of Belle Mina, AL; great-aunt, Delsie Williams and companion Henry Taylor of Decatur, AL; cousins, Bessie Mae (Chester) Matthews and Francis Williams, all of Decatur, AL and Jean Williams of Triana, AL;  a loving blended family, Sabrina Hayes, Aubrey Hayes, Miles Hayes, Alex Heltzel, Jacob Heltzel, Jessica Heltzel; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

There is a special place in our hearts for his close friends and neighbors who stood with us during his extended illness, assisting in his care and home needs: George Green, Evangelist Horton D. Matthews, Minister Jeffrey and Janice Moseley, Berthold and Shirley Troupe and Joel and Kathy Simmons.  We know you didn’t have to, but we are so grateful you did.

Pallbearers will be: Kerry Blackmon, Preston Harris, Frederick Gill, Anthony Green, Anthony Mayes, Charles Williams, Joel Simmons, Marchas Williams, Michael Douglas and Berthold Troupe. Flower Bearers will be: Nichole Blackman, Kathy Simmons, Antonia Fuqua, Shirley Troupe, Jean Gardner, Kinetra Troupe, Shanice Pryor, Francita Meaus, Marilyn Williams, Lacey Jett and Mechelle Townsend.