Senate Concurrent Resolution 505

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER SENATOR AND JUDGE RAY HILMAN MONTGOMERY OF CANTON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, gentleman and enlightened jurist with the death of former State Senator Ray Hilman Montgomery (79), on December 14, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Judge Ray Montgomery was born in Forest Grove, Mississippi, on January 18, 1935, to Alvin Douglas Montgomery, Sr., and Otice Ozella Bilbro Montgomery. At the age of 15, Ray contracted polio and was a longtime volunteer and supporter of the March of Dimes and served on the National Board of Easter Seals for eight years; and

WHEREAS, he finished high school in Canton, Mississippi, attended Hinds Junior College, pursued a college degree at Millsaps and furthered his education by earning a law degree from Jackson School of Law. He was a member of The Mississippi Bar, a Mason, Wahabi Shriner, and lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Canton; and

WHEREAS, a true public servant, Ray was elected Tax Assessor of Madison County and served 8 years in that position. He was a practicing attorney in Canton, elected to the Mississippi State Senate, serving two terms, and was elected and served as County Judge. He was elected and served as Chancery Judge until his retirement. In retirement, he was appointed by the Supreme Court of Mississippi as a Special Chancellor and continued to hear special cases until recently; and

WHEREAS, while in the Senate, Ray served as Chairman of the Public Property Committee and was active in Public Health and Welfare certificate of need issues; and

WHEREAS, Ray Montgomery was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth O'Briant. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Gill Montgomery; brother, Alvin Douglas Montgomery, Jr.; many nieces, nephews and friends; and a special thank you to longtime friends Alvin and Pat Ottis; and

WHEREAS, Ray Montgomery was one of the most respected members of the Mississippi State Senate and of The Mississippi Bar. He had a commanding presence but was soft-spoken. He excelled in a variety of major responsibilities and served the Senate, The Mississippi Bar, his constituents, colleagues and the State of Mississippi exceptionally well. Ray's public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and he set the highest standard as a leader in the Mississippi Senate, the Mississippi judicial system, and as a true friend:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of public service of former Senator and Judge Ray Montgomery of Canton, Mississippi, and express to his family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing Ray with us and with the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of former Senator Ray Montgomery, forwarded to the Mississippi State Bar Association, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.