Obituary of Charles Sims Montgomery

Charles Sims Montgomery was born in Vacaville, Texas. He died in Lacey, Washington on November 4, 2017. He was the oldest of eight children and he took that position to heart. He left behind his sister, Becky, and brother, Earl, in Colorado; and sister, Gigi, and brother, Bill, in Wyoming. He had two daughters, Brenda and Bonnie; a granddaughter and a great granddaughter; and many step grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Chuck loved children and claimed them all as his own. He spent 80 years enjoying life, family, and people. As a kid, Chuck was in the Little Britches rodeo. He loved riding and roping. His first job was for Western Union in Colorado, delivering telegrams on his bike. At the age of 15, he moved to the dairy, working there for two years. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on his 17th birthday, serving five years. During his enlistment, he was deployed to Korea. He worked for the State of Washington in Licensing. In 1973, he was appointed to set up and establish the Gambling Commission for the state. After he retired from the state, he worked as a locksmith. He owned an upholstery business. He volunteered as an ambulance driver. He worked as a Tenino police officer along with his brother Bill. But his favorite “job” was as a music teacher for pre-school kids. He did that for eight happy years. Chuck learned how to play guitar early in life, and music was a constant in his life. He played keyboards (piano and organ), mandolin, banjo, and guitar (acoustic and electric). As a lead guitar player and vocalist, Chuck had and played in many bands. He was no stranger to the spotlight, playing on the radio, the television, and with many well-known artists. In the past many years, Chuck also played with Old Time Fiddlers, Black Lake Pickin’ Party, VFW, many retirement homes and senior centers. He entertained at many state fairs, and he “did the Puyallup” for four years. More than any of this, Chuck was a man of God. You will never know how often he prayed for you, and he did pray for all of you. He was Joyful. He was Pleasant. He always had a Joke! Chuck was much loved. Chuck was a man with a good heart. But his heart wasn’t good…. Chuck never lost his sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye, or any of that glorious thick, white head of hair. If you weren’t around him, you missed out. Please leave memories of Chuck or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.