Robert "Bob" Creel Montgomery

Robert “Bob” Creel Montgomery, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and Veteran, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 25, 1938, in Highland Park, Illinois, Robert was a remarkable man who lived his life with passion and dedication, leaving a legacy that will resonate with all who knew him.

Bob served the United States Navy with unwavering commitment for over two decades, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1982 after an illustrious career that took him to 12 duty stations across the globe, including places like Guam, Turkey, Korea, and Australia. His service epitomized the motto, "Join the navy and see the world”. He not only traveled extensively but also gained proficiency in Turkish and Korean while attending the Defense Language Institute. His work advising shipyards and acting as a liaison to foreign navies showcased his technical prowess and dedication to his country. Bob was awarded both the Naval Achievement Medal and the Vietnam Technical Medal 1st Class. An accomplished naval athlete, he excelled at shooting sports earning both the Expert Pistol Ribbon and Expert Rifle Ribbon as well as qualifying for All Navy on the M-1 Rifle.

In addition to his military endeavors, Bob had a rich professional life post-retirement. He worked for Bath Iron Works, serving as a technical liaison to Ingalls Shipbuilding for thirteen years. His creative spirit shone brightly as he next became the Technical Director of the Biloxi Saenger Theatre, founded First Day Theatre, and furthered his passion for lighting design, production and set design in various theater and dance productions across the coast. Bob was also a certified gemologist and, later in life, committed his time driving for Uber, connecting with the community in a new way.

Education was a cornerstone of Bob’s life. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering, specializing in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, from The University of Michigan in 1962, followed by a Master of Science in Naval Architecture in 1968 from the Webb Institute. In 1990, he earned a Master of Science in Political Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. Bob had a deep love of politics. At the time of his death, he was the Chairman of the Ocean Springs Republican Municipal Executive Committee. His pursuit of knowledge never waned, reflecting his belief in lifelong learning and his profound love for sharing what he knew with others.

Bob was a sportsman at heart and enjoyed competitive swimming, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, curling, and flying. He owned a Cessna airplane that was lost in Hurricane Elena, to his sorrow. Summers were spent at Oceana Beach Association enjoying sailing, shooting, golfing, time at the beach with his family, and working on his cottage. He was a semi-pro baseball umpire in Australia and started the Ocean Springs Little League Baseball Volunteer Umpire program, becoming its first umpire-in-chief.

Service to others was important to Bob. He was involved in scouting his whole life and earned his Eagle Scout as a young teen. When he moved to Ocean Springs, he co-founded Troop 271 of the Boy Scouts of America. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Bob worked tirelessly through Christus Victor Lutheran Church, where he was a member for over 40 years, as their Distribution Coordinator to support the recovery efforts.

Though Bob was a true renaissance man, above all, he was a devoted family man. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years Brenda Elizabeth (nee Noe) Montgomery; his children, Robert (Jennifer Quilty) Montgomery, Debra (Shaun) Gilley, James Montgomery, and Thomas (Karen) Montgomery; his loving grandchildren Barbra, Sullivan, Arthur, Miles, Carter, Mari, McKenna, Quinn, Helen, Clara, Kieran, Ennis, Ella, Fynan, Landon and Alexander. His brother, William (Christine) Montgomery; and his sister, Margaret (Lew) Pratt. Each member of his family held a special place in his heart, and his absence will be deeply felt as they remember the incredible moments shared.

He joins in eternal rest his parents John Mead Montgomery and Margaretta Moore Patterson; and his brother, John Patterson Montgomery. Their memories will continue to inspire Bob’s family as they honor the values he instilled in them.

As we celebrate Bob’s life, we acknowledge not just his accomplishments but the profound love he had for his family and the indelible mark he left on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. “Bob/Dad/Papa, We miss you and love you!!! Happy Birthday in Heaven!!!! 

A memorial service will be held on December 13, 2024, at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, at 10:30 AM, followed by interment at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 PM. Let us come together to remember the extraordinary life of Robert Creel Montgomery, whose spirit will continue to inspire and guide us all. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Christus Victor Lutheran Church: christusvictor, ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response: elca-ses.org/donate-disaster-ministry or Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.NMCRS.org.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County is proud to be serving the Montgomery family. Please share memories and photos at www.RiemannFamily.com.