Dr. K. Bruce Montgomery, age 77, Kingsport, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at his residence.
He has left this earth and entered the arms of Christ peacefully and surrounded by family. An educator until the very end, Bruce was sure to leave a lifetime's worth of wisdom and knowledge in the form of sermons, lectures, mentorship, and storytelling with anyone who had the time to listen.
Throughout his life, Bruce influenced the lives of so many and was loved and adored by countless students who kept in touch with him over the years, long after they'd graduated. Many who were able to visit him in his final days.
Born in 1947 to Kenny & Martha Montgomery in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bruce met his bride, Carol in 1966 at Englewood Christian Church. They have been married for 56 years, and went on to have three children, He is a graduate of Minnesota Bible College, Christian Theological Seminary, and Bowling Green State University.
As one of his early ministries, Bruce was the minister of Active Christians Today in Bowling Green, Ohio and served as the first state director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Ohio.
Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, serving as Pastor at churches in Indiana, Texas, Ohio and Tennessee. In addition to serving the church for over 56 years, Bruce retired from Milligan University where he served as a professor for 27 years. He was also a member of the Storyteller’s Guild in Jonesborough.
Now that Bruce has passed into the arms of our Lord, we should remind ourselves that while this is the end of Bruce’s physical life on Earth, it’s just the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. Bruce joins his parents and one brother in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Carol, his three children, Andrea Fissel (Brad), Erin Beese (Scott) & Drew Montgomery (Angela) and 10 grandchildren, Clay Fissel (Kaylee), Rebecca McCracken (Chaz), Noah Parker, Bailey Parker (Abby), Jenna Montgomery, Steven Augustine (Scott), Noah Beese, Garrett Beese, London Montgomery & Rocco Montgomery, brother, Gary Montgomery.
Celebration of Life services will be held at Seeger Chapel at Milligan University with ministers David Mullins and Tony Marr on October 13th, 2024. 130 Richardson Road Johnson City, TN 37601. The family will receive friends from 2pm-6pm followed by a memorial service at 6:00pm.
10/14/2024
Sterling Herron
Bruce was one of my first professors at Milligan. He was always there with a smile and word of encouragement. I'm very sorry to hear that he passed. I know he will be with the Lord. Our sympathies and prayers to his family!
10/14/2024
Nathaniel Greene
Bruce was a cherished teacher of mine during my undergrad years at Millian. It was impossible to go to Milligan and not encounter Dr. Montgomery â€" especially in his speech comms class. We bonded relatively quickly and he tapped me as one of his student leaders for the speech lab. He really cared for us students. The meals we had at his home with Carol on Wednesday evenings were really special (and Bruce adored their dachshunds â€" a long-haired named Klaus comes to mind). He will be sorely missed and I carry many of the things he taught me into my own teaching career in higher education.
Yesterday, at the Annual Meeting of ACT (Active Christians Today Campus Ministry), we spent time talking and thinking about Bruce and the legacy he built into our beloved ministry. God is continuing the legacy through numerous others, now nearly 52 years later, but it was Bruce who served as the very first full-time campus minister, and who provided the "pillar" of ministry and service that we are still building upon today - loving college students for the furthering of the Kingdom. And Bruce will enjoy eternity with countless numbers of them some day.
10/13/2024
Bethany Francis
In my 6 years in the Milligan area, I spent almost every Thanksgiving with the Montgomerys, even including my brother when he came to visit. Bruce always made me feel like I was family. I still live by the wisdom he shared with me: Speed Limit signs are minimum suggestions.
10/12/2024
Eric Blackburn
I will always remember him as the first person in the Communications Building to welcome me from California. He knew my name, where I was from, and made sure I had gotten settled in. Sending my love and prayers for strength and peace to his family and friends.
10/12/2024
Victoria Sitter
Carol and family … I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bruce. During my tenure as a Professor at Milligan I was honored to call him my friend and colleague. He was a wise counselor and a wonderful teacher. I will miss him. My sincere condolences and prayers are sent to you, Carol and his family.
10/12/2024
Cassie Mackell
Bruce was one of the first professors I interacted with at Milligan as a student. He was my first advisor and was someone I truly respected. He was genuine and always had the time to talk if needed. He even invited some of us students to attend a church he was preaching at one Sunday where we shared a meal with him and others at church after service. He was one of my favorite professors during my time at Milligan. Carol, I only met you once but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
10/12/2024
Melinda Dively-White
Dr Montgomery was a kind and thoughtful professor. I appreciated his commitment to education and students. I am thankful to have been one of his students at Milligan. I’m sorry for your loss.
Bruce will be greatly missed. He was a beloved mentor and friend to me and I will never forget the care, kindness and grace he always exhibited. Carol, their kids and the rest of his family and friends are in my prayers.
Praying for comfort for the entire family and friends of Dr. Montgomery. Thankful to have known him. He was a wonderful professor and pastor. Great memories of bible study at their home.
Carol and family, my prayers are with you. Bruce had a powerful influence on my life. He encouraged me in the art of storytelling and gave me the opportunity to serve as an adjunct at Milligan. It is the best of life when the Lord puts His best in your path. Thank you Lord for Bruce and Carol.
10/10/2024
De’Marco Kidd
Dr. Montgomery's kindness and warm spirit always stood out to me as a student at Milligan. My prayers are with his family and close friends.
10/10/2024
Gary & Sandee Degner
Carol and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you. We have many fond memories, especially enjoyed the many shows he had @ Milligan featuring his students.
10/07/2024
Larry & Carolyn Applegate
Carol & family, Just heard today (10/7) of Bruce's passing. You all have our sincere sympathy. God Bless you all, with His peace and strength.
Carol and family, I am saddened to hear of the loss of Bruce yet rejoice knowing there is someone magnificent waiting for him on the other side. Bruce's wisdom, compassion, guidance, and ability to illustrate a story will not be forgotten. I am thankful that our lives crossed. There are words that he has spoken that I will always treasure and remember. I pray your grief will be lessened by the many happy memories you shared.
His impact on students as they worked to discover, develop and own their Christian faith in an environment that was anything but Christian, was immense. He was a rare gift to all of us who were blessed to have been part of the ministry he led back those many decades ago.
10/01/2024
Rev. James (Big Jim) Merillat
Carol and family, please know that Pam and I are praying for you as your lives adjust to Bruce's earthly departure. I will be eternally grateful to God for guiding me to ACT at BGSU. Upon my arrival, I was welcomed by Pastors Bruce and Steve. Their impact on my life has been a blessing! I had just become a Christian 3 months before I arrived at BG. I was very young in my faith and needed much direction and guidance. Bruce shared with me the wisdom of God on many occasions. My friends, we are never fully aware of our impact on others! I hope Bruce understood what he meant to all of us! The best way I can honor Bruce and glorify God is to speak, teach and guide others to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ! Carol ... we love you!
09/29/2024
Phyllis Girdwood
Carol and family, my heart aches for you. No matter how thankful we are to see the suffering ended and eternal victory, our hearts miss the wonderful husband we shared life with. I’m thankful for Bruce’s legacy and especially for the impact that had on my boys in college as our paths crossed again. And I’m praying for you especially as you navigate the months ahead with God at your side. Isaiah 54:4-8 have been special comfort for me.
I considered Bruce a true friend, mentor, and encourager. He will be greatly missed, but his positive attitude and passion for God lives on in the thousands of lives he touched for the Lord.
09/26/2024
Joseph Saunders
Carol, my sympathy in your loss to you and your children. . . . J. D.
Bruce was my professor, mentor, and friend, during my time at Milligan College. An excellent educator, he believed in his students, in their potential for greatness in their own areas of study, and he communicated clearly with them in an honest, heartfelt manner. He lived faithfully, genuinely, and consistently everything he taught. Blessed are they who die in the Lord, for their works follow them (Rev. 14:13). Praying for the comfort of those he leaves behind!
09/26/2024
Vic (Braddock) Brooks
Carol, Andrea, Erin and Drew, thank you for sharing Bruce with us while you lived in Bowling Green. Bruce made such a difference in my life, showing me how to welcome others with love and grace and to provide encouragement whenever God opens doors to do so. I will always remember Bruce's phone call when my heart was broken and there was disappointment and discouragement deep in my heart. His unconditional love changed my life as he taught me to live and love like Jesus. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." Psalm 116:15
There is not enough space here to express the profound impact that Bruce and Carol had on my young life at BGSU, and on the lives of countless others. Great will be his reward. I'm praying for the Lord's comfort for the Montgomery family. Please contemplate the immense legacy that Bruce left, via his lifetime dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
09/26/2024
Shari and Dave Knarr
Bruce blessed us both when he presided over our wedding vows in 1982. He will be remembered as a friend and pastor. Thanks for always being there at BGSU to guide, encourage, and bless others wherever you walked on this side of earth. Now, your faith is complete in the presence of our God, Savior, and Holy Spirit. Lord, please continue to comfort the family in their grief. May their sorrow become joy in due time. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
WE (Dick AND Beth Laue) Knew his parents very well. And also Bruce. So many memories.....I am now 89.
Bruce and I were Englewood kids. We sang together in a gospel group and folk music group. His abilities in music were surpassed by his stories. Blessings to each member of the family. He leaves a great legacy of faith. God's care to Carol and their family.
09/25/2024
Spencer and Linda Tuttle
Carol, Andrea, Erin, Drew, and Gary. Spencer and I know you are going to miss Bruce so much. We have so many happy times with all of you. Bruce was blessed to have you Carol. I know you both loved each other very much. God's love and ours, and hugs. Spencer and Linda
Carol, so sadden by your loss but rejoicing for Bruce"s graduation into heaven. It will be a hard adjustment but I no with God's help and your family you will be able to walk through it. I pray for your comfort and hope God's love will give you peace. I have so many fond memories of Bruce from High School and Minnesota Bible College. Love, Pam Christman
09/25/2024
Janie Shepherd Harding
Dear Friends, Please accept our love and celebration of a life well lived. What great memories we have of serving alongside Bruce at CHCC. Looking forward to the great reunion!!!
09/24/2024
Melissa Ford Noble
Carol, please accept my condolences on the passing of Bruce. Certainly a scholar and a gentlemen with a great personality.
Peace of Christ,
Melissa
