Civitan Curtis Montgomery, 89, remembered for his devotion to the Club

We lost yet another fine Civitan this week when Curtis Montgomery passed away on Saturday, May 7. Civitan was dear to Curtis’ heart, which you know if you ever visited his home, where he had a wall dedicated to photos and plaques from his years of service in the Club.

He served as Vice-President, President-Elect, and President; was NCDW Governor 1975-76 (and was the longest-serving Governor!); served as Chair of both Candy Box and Education/Orientation for years; Spaghetti Feast Captain for many years; and was District Leadership Coordinator 2010-11. He was also a certified Club Builder. He held the Honor Key at both the Club and District levels.

There will be a Celebration service of Curtis’ Life on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel at Catawba College. The family will receive visitors in the hour preceding the service.

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James Curtis Montgomery, of Salisbury, NC went to be with our Lord on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the VA Hospice House. He was 89 years old.

A native of Mayodan, NC he was the son of the late Troy and Lottie Montgomery. Curtis was preceded in death by his brother Paul, who was well known as Uncle Paul in a local Radio and TV series in the Raleigh area, back during the 70's.

Curtis was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Germany during WW2. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC at Chapel Hill and his master of education degree from UNC Greensboro. He worked as a teacher and principal at Sadler Elementary School in Reidsville; a principal at Bethany School in Reidsville; and a principal at Main Street Junior High School and Thomasville Senior High School in Thomasville.

After leaving the public school system, he joined Catawba College where held a number of positions, including associate professor of education, teaching and supervising student teachers; head of Advancement Center, directing an enrichment program for students; assistant dean of educational services, teaching in the education department, working with the evening college and directing the non-credit courses and summer programs. He served as registrar and chairman of the Faculty Senate, where he was a member for 12 years.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was active in the Salisbury Civitan Club for many years, serving in leadership positions on the local, area and district levels, including Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina District West. Curtis was awarded Honor Keys on the local and district level and was a certified Civitan Club Builder. He was an active participant in the club's Civitan Foundation to establish and award educational scholarships. Curtis believed and lived the Civitan creed, always helping others in need. He was a devoted Carolina Tarheel fan.

Curtis is survived by his wife Polly Jean and daughter Tana Lea Montgomery; a brother William Donald Montgomery (wife Shirley, daughter Donna Noonkester, granddaughter Kristen). Nieces Kathy Gelb and husband Gregg and Judy Margulis and husband John.

A memorial service will be conducted 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on the campus of Catawba College. The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM just prior to the service. The Civitan Club will sit as a group for the service.

Memorials may be sent to: Civitan Club of Salisbury, PO Box 171, Salisbury, NC 28145, First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher St, Salisbury, NC 28144 or Catawba College, 2300 West Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Montgomery family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.