MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Barker, Byrd, DeBar, Gunn, Howell, Morgan, Smith (39th), Snowden, Watson, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FRANK D. MONTAGUE, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Frank D. Montague, Jr., to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the Hattiesburg Community lost a wonderful friend, community leader, Christian and attorney on Sunday, December 22, 2013, with the passing of Mr. Montague, who was born in Hattiesburg on August 26, 1925; and
WHEREAS, a honors graduate of Hattiesburg High School; he obtained his LL.B. in 1950 and then a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1951, both from the University of Mississippi, and while at Ole Miss, he served as president of the student body and was a recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers Award of Merit as Outstanding Senior Engineering Student and was placed in the University of Mississippi Student Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Montague was a partner at Montague, Pittman and Varnado in Hattiesburg, where he was president until 2001, and he authored numerous legal publications and taught journalism law for a period of time at the University of Southern Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the 1977 Ole Miss Law Alumnus of the Year was a 2012 Inductee into the University of Mississippi Law School Hall of Fame, was Former President of the Mississippi Bar Association, was Founding President of the South Central Mississippi Bar Association and Chairman of the Ole Miss Law School's Lamar Order, and served as city judge of Hattiesburg from 1956 to 1960 and city attorney from 1965 to 1974; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Montague was the first recipient of the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented the Mississippi Bar Foundation's Professionalism Award and is a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and for 25 consecutive years he was included in "The Best Lawyers in America"; and
WHEREAS, the United States Navy veteran of World War II was always a dedicated member of the community, having served as President of the Hattiesburg Kiwanis Club, Executive Board Member of the Area Development Partnership, Trustee of Belhaven College and Trustee of the Presbytery of South Mississippi, and he was extremely involved at all levels with Boy Scouts of America, the March of Dimes and American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, Susan Steadman, whose father was a lifelong friend of Mr. Montague, wrote of him, "His voice was unique, strong and calm. His courage was infinite. He was the most independent human I have ever met, and thinking of his ability to make it to the finish line always amazed me."; and
WHEREAS, Former Mayor of Hattiesburg, Bobby Chain, Sr., stated, "Hattiesburg and Mississippi suffered a grievous loss by the departure December 22, 2013, from this life of Mr. Frank D. Montague Jr. He was one of the most respected attorneys and eminent and philanthropic citizens this state has ever known. He was willing to sacrifice for his conviction and often proved that by deed and action. His impact on my life and the lives of countless others has been profound and inspirational. Simply put, we will miss this great Christian gentleman and his positive input. Most of all, we shall miss this man, our friend."; and
WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity, Mr. Montague's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of Mrs. Mary Dixon Montague, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony, enjoying their blissful marriage for over 64 years until her death February 10, 2013; and
WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, a devoted husband and caring father next, and always the willing worker, Mr. Montague possessed an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, being a man after God's own heart as he led by example and his willingness to serve and be of service to others; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his beloved wife, the legacy of Mr. Montague's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: three sons, F. Douglas (Becky) Montague III, H. Dixon (Suzanne) Montague and Brian A. (Leigh Ann) Montague, all of whom are practicing attorneys; five adored grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selfless and genteel nature of an individual of the esteemed caliber as that of Mr. Montague:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of Frank D. Montague, Jr., and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Frank D. Montague, Jr. and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.