Columbia MD - Carson Foch Montgomery died Monday, March 13, 2017 at Howard County General Hospital after a brief illness.

Carson is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel (Kimble) Montgomery; his daughter Roxann Montgomery and her husband Daniel Ligon; his son Douglas Montgomery and his wife Nancy Ketterer; and his grandsons Taylor and Carter Montgomery.

Carson was born in 1922 in Carroll County, VA, the son of Walter and Levrie Montgomery.  In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Altamaha and at Naval bases in Pearl Harbor, HI and San Diego, CA throughout the duration of World War II.

After the war, Carson returned to Carroll County and married Hazel Kimble of Laurel Fork, VA.   Together they moved to Baltimore and eventually settled to a home in Dundalk, MD where they lived for 56 years.  Carson worked both in the construction industry and for the Pennsylvania / ConRail railroad until his retirement in 1987.

Carson was an avid gardener, craftsman, and woodworker and loved to travel.  His passion for gardening knew no bounds, as he would plant and work large vegetable gardens at his home and the homes of his family.   Growing far more than his family could use, Carson provided fresh vegetables to neighbors and friends for years.  Carson loved flea markets and auction sales and was always on the prowl to "make something from nothing."    He loved woodworking and using his lathe and liked nothing more than taking a downed tree and returning it to the owner in the form of lamps, candlesticks, or baseball bats.

Carson's passion for travel included building his own recreational vehicle in the early 1970s and taking his family on several rambling tours of America.  After his retirement, Carson began attending the yearly reunions of his WWII ship, the USS Altamaha.  For 18 years, Carson and various family members traveled the country to attend his ship reunions, reconnect with shipmates and their families, and explore new locations.

In his final years Carson devoted himself to caring for his wife Hazel, keeping up with news and politics, and enjoying visits from his children and grandchildren.  Always quick with a smile and joke, Carson remained in good health and wit until his final days.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, VA.    The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM prior to the funeral service.

Contributions in memory of Carson Montgomery can be made to the United States Navy Memorial https://shipsstore.navymemorial.org/donate/donation .

Arrangements are under the direction of the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, VA.