Commander Graden L. Montgomery, USN (Ret.) of Hayes, passed away after a lengthy illness on March 28, 2011 in Gloucester, Va.
"Grady" was born in Samaria, Ky., in 1929. He attended Ashland Junior College before joining the Class of 1951 at the Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he was assigned to GLYNN (APA-239), then split-toured on LST-291. After attending the Electronics Material Officers course at Treasure Island, he served as Gunnery Officer on BASILONE (DDE-824). Subsequently, selected for postgraduate studies, he received a MS in Petroleum Engineering in June 1958 from University of California, Berkeley.
Back to sea duty, he served as Navigator and Executive Officer aboard KRETCHMER (DER-329) out of Newport, R.I. Re-designated as Engineering Duty Officer (EDO), he reported to Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash. While there, his involvement with construction and overhaul projects included conversion of COLUMBUS (CG-12) to a guided missile cruiser with the Talos missile system aircraft carrier overhauls, and early construction of SACRAMENTO (AOE-1). Subsequent EDO assignments included: SIERRA (AD-18) in Norfolk, Va., involving the development and introduction of the Navy’s pilot "Intermediate Level Maintenance Program," then QA and the Plans Officer in the Office of the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News. Prior to his retirement in August 1971, he served as Force Maintenance Representative for Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force (Atlantic) in Norfolk.
Following retirement, Grady taught mathematics, chemistry and physics and further served as Science Department Head, Denbigh High School, Newport News. He retired from teaching in July 1987.
Commander Montgomery was a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, The Retired Officers Association, The Naval Academy Alumni Association, National Rifle Association, and Loyal Order of the Moose. His awards included the Navy Commendation Medal and various area campaign medals.
Grady will always be remembered for his gentlemanly, chivalrous attitude, his mild-mannered and generous nature, and his unparalleled integrity and sense of honor as a naval officer.
He was highly respected and loved by all his friends and associates.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Doris; his son, William (USNA ’75); grandchildren, Leana and Rolan; and sister, Mildred Bush.
Graveside funeral services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. Friends will assemble at the cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Virginia; Mary Beth, Margaret Williams, Marlo, Wendy and everyone that has contributed to the care and support of Grady.