Barry Thomas Montgomery

Barry Thomas Montgomery, born August 05, 1967, to Johnnie Lee Montgomery and Willie Mae Montgomery, was a quick-witted defender of family and a loyal friend to many. Barry attended Suffolk Public Schools and Paul D. Camp Community College with the dream of becoming an electrical engineer. He was employed by Smithfield Packing, Newport News Shipyard, and other privately owned businesses in our community. He was a part of cleaning crews for contracted office buildings and churches. The last passion was that of a truck driver, where he loved the open road and the feeling of being his own boss!

Barry was a member of New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church under the late Bishop Paul Armstrong and as an adult, reaffirmed that membership. Barry was very insightful and was given the gift of music at an early age, winning his 1st talent show at East Suffolk Middle School along with his brother Terrence playing “ Slide.”

A musician was born. From then on, Barry increased his skillset as a musician. Barry not only mastered drums but also the acoustic guitar, bass, and lead. With these musical gifts, Barry has traveled extensively throughout the United States, singing and playing gospel music. Barry was a member of The True, Original, and yes “Mighty” Pearly Gates of Suffolk, VA. This group was phenomenal in its own right, and Barry was right there making a joyful yet melodious sound as he not only played as a musician but also sang background.

During the lifespan given, Barry was intricate in being able to not only be in tune with instruments but also the key to Faith, Family, Friends, and Fellowship. Barry, by his own confession of faith and belief, knew the Lord as his personal savior and devoted time serving in the things of God and strived to live peaceably among men. Barry was a family man. He was a soundboard full of wisdom and truly loved his children, mother, and remaining family members. Barry was the neighbor’s friend. He knew no strangers and was loyal to the neighborhood we called home. Barry appreciated gatherings with a combination of mixed company (a little bit of everybody from around the way), good food, great laughs, and the overall essence of fellowship really was about. This key of F will live forever.

. Barry was predeceased in death by his father, Reverand Johnnie Lee Montgomery, Brother, Terrence Montgomery, Paternal Grandparents, Oscar Lee and Jessie Mae Montgomery and Maternal Grandparents, William Thomas and Ana Laura Dildy, Maternal Grandfather, Willie Ruben Adams; four uncles, Charles E. Smith, Sammie Lee Montgomery, Jimmie Lee Montgomery, and Eddie Lee Montgomery.

He leaves to cherish memories: three sons, Barry Thomas Montgomery Jr, of Suffolk, VA, Terrence Breshawn Montgomery, of Norfolk, VA, and Nathan Tyrone Montgomery; one Daughter, Nicole Johnai Montgomery, Aulander N.C; one stepson, Tremaine Goodman of Norfolk, VA and two Stepdaughters; Jessica Wilder and Jawayna Wilder. Both of Aulander NC; two Goddaughters, Shameka Richards, and Shandrika Williams, both from Suffolk VA;14 grandchildren; Mother Overseer Willie M. Artis, Stepfather Alphones Artis, of Suffolk VA; Siblings, Nathan T. Montgomery(Rose) Indianapolis, IN, Daralynn M. Reid, Portsmouth VA, Jessie M. Montgomery, Suffolk VA; six aunts Malinda Armstrong (Timothy) St. Petersburg, FL, Dianne Adams, Ava Jean Adams, Vanessa Adams, Emma F. Montgomery all of Suffolk VA, and Carrie M. Montgomery, Long Island, NY, and one uncle, Jimmie Adams, Suffolk VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.