Wilson C. “Pete” Montague passed peacefully into heaven on February 24, 2022.  Born in Raleigh, NC on October 16, 1946, Pete was the son of the late Bert Guthrie & Jane Wilson Montague. Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Suzanne Montague Ridgill. Pete graduated from Millbrook High School. He attended Chowan College and graduated from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College).  It was there he met Kathy, who, in 1969, became his wife. Pete spent most of his adult life working for the American Red Cross in Raleigh, first as the Director of Blood Services and later as the Assistant Chapter Manager. He is most remembered for his work in Disaster Services with the Red Cross. During disasters in North Carolina, such as Hurricanes Floyd and Fran, Pete served as liaison between the Red Cross and state, county, and city governments at the State Emergency Management Operations Center (EOC). To honor his meritorious service during the 1988 and 2008 tornadoes that hit North Carolina, Pete was twice awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, first by Governor Mike Easley and later by Governor James Martin. Pete served as the Red Cross liaison during several national disasters, such as the bombing in Oklahoma City, Hurricane Andrew in Florida, and Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, to name a few. In 2008 Commissioner of Agriculture, Steve Troxler, awarded Pete a plaque for his work in developing the policy to open disaster shelters to which people could bring their pets. Serving the State of North Carolina for 20 years as a member of the N. C. National Guard, Pete was awarded the coveted Citizen Soldier of the Year for his outstanding service and leadership. A dedicated member of Wendell Baptist Church, Pete served as a Deacon and also on the House and Grounds Committee.  He served as leader of the committee for several years.  Working with a team of church volunteers, Pete helped build many handicap ramps, made repairs to homes damaged by a tornado that hit in Raleigh, and helped to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

Pete is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy; his daughter, Julie Poovey of Raleigh; one granddaughter, Kate Davis; his brother, Bert Montague (wife Glenda) of Garner; and his sister, Martha Montague, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4th at 2:00, at the Wendell Baptist Church.

Visitation will follow the service in the large fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Pete’s memory to help build handicap ramps for disabled persons, at Wendell Baptist Church, PO Box 187, Wendell NC  27591 or online at https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/clodo-wendellbaptist.