Mr. Paul Lawrence Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Mr. Paul Lawrence - Age 78, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at McLaren-Flint. Family hour 11:30 AM Friday, August 30, 2019 at Victorious Word Church, G-3560 Beecher Rd., with a memorial service commencing at 12:00 PM Pastor Rodney Murphy officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the church 11:30 AM Friday. There will be no public viewing. MONTGOMERY, Paul Lawrence – age 78, departed this life and went home to be with the Lord at 10:12 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Paul Lawrence was born on September 1, 1940 in Thomasville, Georgia to Eleanor (Hadley) and Howard Montgomery. The second of six children, he was raised in Flint, Michigan by his parents Eleanor and Sullivan “C.L.” Conner. Affectionately called by his middle name, Lawrence was always very responsible, goal-oriented and a detailed planner. He attended Flint Central High School and graduated in 1958. High school is where he met the love of his life, Dianne Marie Burns. Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961 and served at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan; Dreux, France; and Ramstein, Germany until he was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman on October 4, 1965. Lawrence and Dianne were married in a military-uniformed wedding before his tour in Germany on August 31, 1963. They had two daughters from their union, Jill Renee and Dawn Denise “Didi”. Lawrence and Dianne were committed in marriage for 49 years until she went home to be with the Lord. He honored his marriage vows through sickness and in health by diligently caring for his wife every day through a debilitating illness. During their union, he committed his life to Christ and they had prayer and bible study in their home. A faithful employee at General Motors, he was well-respected during his time in the factory. He retired from General Motors Customer Service and Warranty Center on Hamilton Avenue in Flint. It was important to Lawrence to keep a well-manicured lawn, a clean Cadillac and managed finances. He was a self-taught investor and had extensive knowledge about the stock market and financial management. He prided himself on being responsible and taking care of his family. While he enjoyed family vacations, family gatherings, Detroit Lions football and Detroit Pistons basketball; his greatest joy was being a husband and father. Lawrence and Dianne raised Jill and Didi to be reliable, responsible and driven. They ensured that both were able to attend Big Ten Universities. He was extremely proud of both daughters’ accomplishments. Certainly known for his directness and forthrightness, he also had a heart of gold and generous spirit. He was always making sure that his family was taken care of. This extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Poppy”. His generosity to his family was a direct reflection of his love. Lawrence’s influence extended to his siblings, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. They often came to him for advice because of his wisdom and accountability. Paul Lawrence Montgomery leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters Jill (Calvin) Orr of Flint and Dawn Denise (Douglas) Capers of White Lake, MI; beloved grandchildren Nicole and Nicolas Walton, Clark and Alexus Capers, Calvin and Quinncia Orr; two great-grandchildren Jordyn McMillian and Jaxson Odom; three sisters Doris Conner, Karen Hinton and Mary Dozier; one brother Keith Conner; one brother-in-law Kenneth (DelTonya) Burns; one sister-in-law Carolyn (Eugene) Smith; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends including Paul Lawrence Davis, Ronald and Lola Watkins, Darnita Evans and the Senior Breakfast Club from McDonald’s and Dawn Donuts. Mr. Montgomery was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dianne Marie (Burns) Montgomery, parents, Sullivan Conner and Eleanor Conner; Howard Montgomery; grandparents; brothers Norris Alton Montgomery and Harold Lloyd Montgomery.

Mr. Paul Lawrence Montgomery

September 1, 1940 - August 22, 2019