Dr. William C. Montague Jr.

Dr. William Cornelius Montague, Jr. was born March 22, 1941, in Sweet Home, Arkansas to Rev. William C. Montague Sr. and Mrs. Mentorie Elizabeth Pennington Montague and was the third of eight children. Dr. Montague was a member of the Connor Chapel AME Church in Little Rock, Arkansas where his father served as senior pastor. Dr. Montague attended St. Bartholomew Catholic School from first through twelfth grades, where he culminated in 1959. After graduating high school, he moved to Sacramento, California and shortly thereafter joined the US Army. During his military service, Dr. Montague was recognized as both Soldier of the Month and Soldier of the Year and ended his service with an honorable discharge from Fort Ord in California. Dr. Montague attended the University of California, Berkley where he earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering and served as a professor in the Chemistry department, teaching chemistry and engineering courses. Dr. Montague was also a research scientist for the federal government and fascinated his nieces and nephews with his cool cloak and dagger persona. William was quiet and unassuming, but if you asked him a question about nature, science, or math, the light in his eyes was unmistakable and you just knew he was ready for a good conversation. William was a wonderful host with a kind and generous spirit. He deeply loved his family was unfailingly present for every momentous occasion, from birthdays to graduations, births, and weddings. William especially wanted to see the next generation of nieces and nephews do well and encouraged our pursuit of academia, so we always could anticipate dictionaries, microscopes, computers, science kits, and other educational items as gifts. He was always readily available to assist with science projects for school. William demonstrated his love for science at a young age when he, his brother, Fred and cousin, Larry would make rockets that really took off. His siblings would often affectionately joke about the time one of their rocket launches went awry and they set the backyard on fire. Although William settled in California, Arkansas was always his home. During his visits, he would often walk to Gilliam Park and find a spot to plant a tree. Dr. Montague departed his earthly life Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 12:33 PM. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his brother, Fred Don, and his sisters, Harriette Laurea, and Vanessa. William leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Harold Lloyd Montague (Dorothy), Silver Spring, Maryland, and three sisters, Celestine Wesley, of Little Rock, Arkansas, Velva Jones, of Benton, Arkansas, and Freeda Yvonne Williams of Seal Beach, California, as well as his treasured nieces and nephews and, and a host of extended family and friends. William will be terribly missed

Dr. William C. Montague Jr.

March 22, 1941 - September 10, 2022