Celebration of Life for a Proud Rosedalean
Edward Perkins Montgomery
"Buckle"

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
II Timothy 4:7

Buckle was born to the late Edward Perkins Montgomery and Queen Esther Jackson Montgomery on August 12, 1942, in Homewood, Alabama. He was the eighth of 12 children, three sons and nine daughters. Buckle graduated from Rosedale High School in 1960, where he was the lead tenor in the choir. He loved to sing his alma mater with his melodious voice. He tried so hard to secure as much memorabilia from Rosedale as he could to preserve the history. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in Miles College and majored in biology while studying in many continuing education courses of interest. He loved drama and performance in music and arts. He was a bookworm, just like his brother Julius. He was a devout Christian and member of Bethel AME Church, Homewood, where he served as a steward, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and served in many other capacities as needed. He was a cheerful giver who loved serving God and his church. Buckle moved to Pasadena to study at the Pasadena Playhouse, an outstanding school of drama, music, and arts. He starred in a movie there, "No time for Sergeants." He was a play write at heart. He wrote many plays that he one day wanted to publish. Buckle loved studying! Carl, his younger brother, remembers that Buckle would use words at an early age, which he could not comprehend. He wondered how did Buckle get so smart. Carl thought he was a genius!

Buckle assisted many people on thesis writings for their graduate work with great results; they passed with flying colors. That's who he was, a helper to all. Buckle was an entrepreneur; he owned a nostalgic record shop that provided Oldie Goldies to the community and made special tapes for those who requested. He owned and operated Montgomery Grocery after the passing of his father and Montgomery Barbecue Stand and worked as a supply teacher for Jefferson County School Board. He loved watching the AMC Channel on TV. Anything you wanted know about actors and the names of movies from the 30s until present, he knew it. Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Bettye Davis James Earl Jones, and Sidney Portier were some of his favorites. He talked about them as if they were his best friends. His hobby was collecting international stamps, foreign currency, and valuable coins from around the world. He was a talker and very humorous; we all knew that. He was a people person who was loved by many.

He is now absent from the body and present with the Lord! His pride and joy was his family, especially Doris, whom he called, "Ms. Cook!" Doris and Buckle had a special bonding that was quite unique in its own way. Spiritually, he served the Lord with gladness; physically, his body had become tired and was no longer able to carry on. His needs are now met in heaven with the Lord. We miss you, our brother, but God knows best! Fair well thou good and faithful servant! Buckle leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted sister, Doris Cook of Birmingham, Alabama; Artney Turner of Melbourne, Florida; a loving brother, Carl Montgomery of Melbourne, Florida; Rita Poole of Melbourne, Florida; sister, Holly Montgomery of Pasadena, California; and many loving nieces and nephews who loved him and called him "Uncle Buckle."

Order of Service
Reverend Kimberly Martin, officiant
Pastor Bethel A M E Church Homewood

Prayer
Reverend F.D Parker
Scriptures
Reverend Kimberly Martin
Instrumental Presentation

Jock Web
Eulogy

Reverend Percy W. Jones

Viewing will be held Sunday February 14, 2021 from 11:00 until 6:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held Monday, February 15, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at Elmwood Cemetery.