Murray Montague

MURRAY MONTAGUE (affectionally known as "Q") was proudly born to Stephen and Williedell Montague (nee Reed) on October 25, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was an adventurous and energetic child. He greatly loved his cousin Alvin whom he spent many years of fun times together until Alvin's passing. Alvin was very important to him in his young life.He graduated from South Philadelphia High School. Murray was talented with his hands and mathematics which led to his degree in carpentry. Murray was also a talented athlete who ran track in multiple Penn Relays during his time in high school. He also wrote beautiful poetry and sketched detailed drawings.He first met his future wife Linda F. Montague (nee Patrick) in their south Philadelphia neighborhood among a mutual group of friends and later in high school. Murray became enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to the frontline of the Vietnam War. He proudly and bravely served his country as a Red Switch Operator (the very same position his son would go on to become as a Master Sergent in the Army and became Murray Ajayi's profession employed at both the White House and Pentagon). Murray was honorably discharged from his active duty in the Vietnam War. During his tour he stayed connected to Linda through love letters. Shortly after his discharge he returned home and married the love of his life, his sweetheart, Linda.Their union lasted 55 years. They were blessed with two children Stephanie Montague-Briggs and Murray Ajayi Montague (whom he is now reunited with in heaven). Murray enjoyed conversations, laughter, many date nights and dancing with his wife. After serving his country Murray went on to first work federally with the IRS. He ultimately became employed by The City of Philadelphia asa Bridge Crane Operator for the streets department. He was employed for over 34 years until he retired twenty years ago. He was well known, respected and often outspoken in union meetings for those that served the City of Philadelphia.As young 24-year-old Murray went out, selected and purchased a home for his family. Murray achieved the milestone of homeownership for his family at the age of 39. He was a very proud homeowner. With his knowledge of carpentry, he often taught his children how to measure and use various tools on home projects. It was a great family time filled with jokes,

laughter and hard work. Murray was a hard-working provider and fearless family leader who often worked overtime and would work a second job when he saw the need. He never hesitated to go out into any kind of weather to provide for his family. He would often say to his wife "Don't worry about me. What do you and the kids need?" No one could tell a story quite like Murray.He was charming, charismatic, thought-provoking and hilarious.Murray was a great dancer and loved music. He could be heard singing along to the radio with a beautiful voice that he only shared with his wife and children.As a proud father, he taught his children how to prepare for life with his no-nonsense wisdom and powerful one-liners that gave them strength. He instilled in them a belief that there wasn't anything they couldn't do. He taught them to love their family, people with disabilities and every walk of life through the many stories he told about Alvin, who was wheelchair bound but he treated him as if he wasn't. Murray was a giver. He backed and supported giving anything his wife wanted to do...he trusted her judgement. He opened his home for family to live and gave finically whenever needed.Murray's wife was his "baby", and he was protective, attentive, loving and gave to her greatly in gifts and cherished outings together. As his love language was giving it was common for him to give his children money and gifts just because they were in his presence. They felt they could come to their father for anything and talk about anything and it would stay between them. Murray loved comedic shows, his infectious laughter could be heard throughout the house. He also loved sci-fi and trivia-based shows.He is survived by his beautiful, loving and caring wife Linda Fay Montague. By his loving daughter (Daddy's girl), Stephanie Montague-Briggs and son-in-law Lawrence E. Briggs. Now embraced and reunited by his son in heaven Murray Ajayi Montague. His grandchildren are by his son (Murray Ajayi Montague) grandson Braeden Ajayi Montague. Daughter-in-law Saniyyah Jones-Montague; grandson Xavier Ajayi Montague and granddaughter Phoenix Autumn Montague. His brother-in-law, Linwood E. Patrick and his wife (sister-in-law) Estelle G.Patrick; sisters-in-law, Hilda Grace Koonce (Kinston, NC) and Emma Jackson; nieces and nephews, Tawanda, Michele, Genelle, Linnetta, Nekita, Michael, Teneika and Anquan; a host cousins, and friends.He was a warrior. He was relentless. He was extraordinary. He will never be forgotten.