Gary Wayne Montgomery Sr.
April 13, 1945 October 7, 2026
Gary Wayne Montgomery Sr. was born on April 13, 1945, in Hampton, Tennessee, to Warren G. and Mildred Montgomery. From an early age, God was preparing Gary for a life of service that would touch countless people across his community, his country, and around the world.
At the age of nine, Gary was saved by the wonderful grace of God. It was an experience that remained the defining moment of his life. Gary often said of his salvation, “I never got over it.” That sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s grace never left him.
Gary had the opportunity to attend the University of Tennessee on an agricultural scholarship. He loved agriculture and had a genuine gift for working the land, and farming was the path he had envisioned for himself. But at the age of 16, Gary surrendered to the call of God to preach the Gospel. He would later look back on that decision and say, “Farming was my plan, but God had another plan for me.”
That calling became the foundation of his life.
Gary served as pastor of Shallow Ford Baptist Church in Erwin, Tennessee, from 1967 to 1970, Gateway Baptist Church in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1970 to 1998, and Parkway Baptist Church in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1998 until 2026. He was also the founder of Gateway Christian Schools, leaving a lasting legacy in Christian education.
But Gary’s ministry extended far beyond the walls of the churches he pastored. He spent his life preaching the Gospel across America and around the world through revival meetings and evangelistic ministry. Through his long-running radio broadcasts, “The Great Commission Hour” and “Worship His Majesty,” his voice reached people he would never have had the opportunity to meet personally.
Yet to those who knew Gary best, his ministry was never simply about standing behind a pulpit. He believed every person mattered, and he rarely met a stranger. Wherever he went, Gary could be found talking to someone. He had a unique ability to make people laugh, lift their spirits, and make them feel better regardless of the circumstances. And no matter where the conversation began, Gary was always looking for an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.
Gary was also a farmer at heart. Those who knew him well knew how much he loved agriculture. He loved raising Simmental cattle, growing flowers, and tending his garden. It was often said that Gary could grow a garden on a rock, a testament both to his ability and to his determination. The same hands that held a Bible and reached people with the Gospel were just as comfortable working the soil, caring for cattle, and cultivating something that would grow.
Family was one of Gary’s greatest joys.
In 1964, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Buckles. Their love story began on a hay ride at church and grew into a marriage that lasted 58 years, until Sherry’s passing in 2022. Gary was a devoted and kind husband, and together Gary and Sherry were truly a dynamic duo. Their life together was built on love, faith, family, and an unwavering trust in God. Their favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Gary and Sherry were blessed with three sons: Gary W. Montgomery Jr. (Heather), Micah G. Montgomery (Callie), and Jared R. Montgomery. As a father, Gary was a living example of the principles he taught others. He demonstrated what it meant to trust God, love unconditionally, work hard to achieve your goals, and remain consistent regardless of the circumstances. His sons learned not only from what their father said, but from watching the way he lived his life. Gary’s greatest earthly joy continued into the next generations through his grandchildren: Christian Montgomery (Meredith), Mason Montgomery (Emma), Gus Montgomery, Jaxson Montgomery, Sarah Beth Wells, and Mathew Wells (Morgan), and his great-grandchildren, his favorites, Celie, Harper, and Finley Montgomery. Gary had three brothers, Dr. Larry Montgomery, Jerry Montgomery, and Terry “Monk” Montgomery, who were a constant source of joy and pride throughout his life. Gary never missed an opportunity to brag on his brothers, and it was obvious to everyone who heard him that he loved them deeply.
To his family, Gary was far more than a pastor, preacher, or community leader. He was Dad, Grandad, brother, husband, and friend. He was the man who could make people laugh when they needed it most, strike up a conversation with anyone, cultivate a garden where others thought nothing would grow, and never tire of telling people about the Savior he loved.
Gary spent his life answering the call God placed on him as a sixteen-year-old boy. He never forgot where that calling began, and he never lost the wonder of the grace that saved him when he was nine.
He planned to farm. God had another plan. And Gary spent the rest of his life faithfully following it. Now, after a lifetime of preaching about Heaven, Gary has finally arrived there himself. And knowing Gary, there is little doubt that Sherry had the hay wagon loaded and ready when he got there. His earthly voice has been silenced, but the message he spent his life proclaiming continues: The grace of God is real. Jesus saves. And Heaven is home.
There will be a Celebration of Life for friends and family on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:30PM at Parkway Baptist Church, 1253 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
