Harvey Ovilla Montgomery

Mr. Harvey Ovilla Montgomery, 82, of Elberton, GA, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at his residence.

Born on July 1, 1941, in Massena, NY, Harvey was the baby of five born to Ernest Owen Montgomery and Evelyn Guilbault Montgomery. He was a 1959 graduate of Grand Ridge High School in Grand Ridge, FL. Following high school, Harvey joined the United States Nuclear Navy and proudly served for over seven years. Once discharged, he returned home to Florida and worked as a psychiatric aide at the Florida State Mental Hospital for two years. 


It was during this time that his brother Owen introduced him to Kathryn Ann Bryan via a blind date. After a one and a half year courtship, Harvey and Kathy were married on May 15, 1969. With the help of Kathy’s father, Harvey earned a job with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the newlyweds moved to Augusta, GA where he attended Clark Hill Dam Training Program. Following his training, they moved to Camden, AL where Harvey worked as a control room operator at Millers Ferry Dam. While in Camden, AL Harvey went to Patrick Henry State Junior College in Monroeville, AL where he earned the Degree of Associate in Arts in General Studies.  Harvey and Kathy spent thirteen years in Alabama, until he transferred to Elberton, GA to work at Lake Richard Russell Dam in 1984. He retired from the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2004 as Senior Control Room Operator. Harvey spent more than 42 years in government service.

Harvey was a member of Elberton Christian Church. He had the ability to fix anything that needed fixing, from steps leading into a building to a car motor that needed to be rebuilt. An avid traveler, Harvey and Kathy were privileged to go on many trips in their RV, having visited all 50 United States and parts of Canada.

In addition to his wife Kathy of 54 years, he is survived by his sons: Ernest Montgomery and his wife Marcia of Royston, GA and Bryan Montgomery and his wife Mimi of Bowman, GA; and brother, Owen Montgomery of Bascom, FL. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Margaret Mary, Lorraine Adeline, and Rita Elizabeth.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 1, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 


Funeral services celebrating Harvey’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at 11:00a.m. at Elberton Christian Church with the Rev. Rick Cox officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Mr. Montgomery will be placed in the church at 10:00a.m. to lie instate until the hour of service.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Elberton Christian Church, 1128 Calhoun Falls Highway, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Harvey Ovilla Montgomery.