 Montgomery earned his bachelor of science in agriculture degree in 1950 and his master of education degree in 1958, both from Sam Houston State University. He also attended graduate school at Texas Tech University.After his graduation from college, Montgomery served as an instructor for the Veterans On-the-Farm Training Program in Sweetwater. He was named area supervisor of vocational agriculture in the West Texas region and was appointed as the Texas Department of Education's State Future Farmers of America Executive Secretary. He worked in the private sector for a short time before returning to public service with the Texas Department of Agriculture. He was appointed chief deputy to the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and served in that position for 10 years. He continues to support endeavors to improve agriculture and to encourage youth who are interested in that area. Montgomery has served on numerous boards in presidential or directorship capacities with organizations including: Texas Professional Ag Workers Association, Texas FFA Alumni Association, Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors, Texas Agricultural Council, Texas Agricultural Forum, Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, and Texas Weights and Measures Association. His civic and humanitarian associations include the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, Gillespie County Historical Society, Gillespie County 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Advisor, Pedernales Creative Art Alliance, and Fredericksburg Music Association. He has been recognized with the award of Outstanding Achievements in Agriculture presented by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. In 1997 he became the first ever honored with the FFA Hall of Fame Award, and he has been honored with many other awards including the Honorary Lone Star Farmer Degree, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Outstanding Service to Texas Agriculture, the Area Young Farmer Distinguished Service Award, and the Texas Forestry Association Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Carolyn, have five sons: Lee Montgomery, Murl Montgomery, Rod Morgan, Larry Morgan and Lance Morgan. |