Azar Montgomery Jr was born July 19th, 1947, to Azar and Addie Montgomery Sr of Woodson, AR. He peacefully departed from this earth on December 17th, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord blessed him with a favored life of 77 years.

Azar confessed his hope and belief in Christ at an early age. After marrying his wife Bobbie, he would become a lifetime member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Azar would go on to serve as Deacon and Chairman for several decades. In 2003, God would call Azar to the Ministry of Preaching. Azar served in this capacity of Associate Minister for a decade and would serve as Associate Pastor for nearly another decade. In 2016, Azar was transitioned to an Elder of the church for his servanthood and faithfulness to the church. Through this role, Azar served as a minister, wise counsel to the Pastor, encourager to the people and a ministry teacher to our leaders. Throughout his ministry and service to Pilgrim Rest, his heart always belonged to teaching Sunday School. As the teacher of Sunday School for over 30 years, Azar passionally taught God’s people the foundation and fundamentals of God’s word. With his distinct voice being heard throughout the church, Azar loved to teach and was known for his ability to get you to understand every Sunday School lesson. He believed that at our best, we are here to serve others and add value to their life, allowing them to see Christ through us.

Azar attended public school in Sweet Home, AR and graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1965. After high school, Azar was drafted into the U. S Army and served from 1968-1970. He also attended Philander Smith University, Shorter College and Arkansas Baptist College where he shaped his professional and biblical knowledge and skillset. One of his proudest and most cherished accomplishments was receiving his Doctor of Theology form the Theology Institute of Divinity in June of 2015. Becoming better at his preaching and teaching gift was always valuable to Azar as he wanted to be a blessing to the people of God at the highest level possible. Becoming Dr. Montgomery was not about the title but about the commitment to teaching God’s word.

Azar was employed at Teletype, also known as AT&T, Lucent Technologies and in his retirement from Ayaya Communication after nearly 40 years of employment. After retirement, Azar would go on to work for the State of Arkansas at the office of child support as well as ending his career at the VA Hospital. Throughout his career, Azar had tremendous impact and made lifetime friends, acquaintances and relationships.

Though his ministry, career and educational background was impeccable, the most important dimension of Azar’s life was his family. Azar was married to Bobbie in 1971 and the two enjoyed a fruitful marriage of 53 years. The two traveled throughout the U.S and have calculated a lifetime of memories, capstoned by a 40-year Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony in 2011 to reannounce a dedication of love to one another. Outside of being a loving Husband, Azar was a wonderful Father and Grandparent. Raising two sons, Cedrich and Donnell in the way of the Lord and instilling in them a strong foundation for creating a family structure that God would be proud of. Also, everyone knew how Papa felt about his grandkids. He supported them in every way possible, from taking and picking them up from school, helping raise them, teaching them, attending their events, financially supporting them, comforting and encouraging them and just loving them like only he could do. He exemplified what a man should be. Azar also enjoyed visiting with his siblings and extended family, to ensure that they remained in contact and kept family ties. He also talked highly of his childhood and upbringing, often saying that they “really grew up poor BUT always felt as though they were rich”. He looked forward to family celebrations with all of his family as he realized the importance of the family structure. Throughout his life he was known in all parts as “Pistol” and “Uncle Pistol”, a nickname that he wore with pride and confidence.

Azar was preceded in death by his parents, Azar and Addie Montgomery Sr; his brothers Leroy Montgomery, Oscar Montgomery, Leonard Montgomery, Jerry Dean Montgomery, Dennis Montgomery; his sisters Betty Lee and Shirley Henderson (Charles).  Azar leaves to cherish his memory, wife Bobbie Montgomery; his sons Cedrich Montgomery Sr (Carina) and Donnell Montgomery Sr (Melissa); granddaughters Candance Montgomery, Camira Montgomery, Alivia Montgomery, Alexis Montgomery; grandsons Cedrich Montgomery Jr and Donnell Montgomery Jr; sisters Jearldine Calhoun, Billie Tenpenny; brother Alonzo Montgomery; bonus grandchildren Sara Mcfadden, Staci Allen, Seikia Allen, Marcus Harper, Dallas Jordan and Genesis Hamrick as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.