Reverend Royce Daniel Montgomery, from Valley View Community, went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2022 at his home while surrounded by loved ones.  He was born at Lakeside Hospital in DeFuniak Springs, FL on April 28, 1951 to George and Jessie Lee Edwards Montgomery. After growing up in Red Bay, Royce moved to Pensacola, FL with his aunt to attend college, where he earned a B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialty in special needs children.  He moved back home to DeFuniak Springs where he started his career with the Walton County School District as one of the first special education teachers. He loved every one of his students throughout his 26 years of teaching, and each of them held a special place in his heart.

He met the love of his life, Shirley Hutto from Ozark, AL, and they married on June 6, 1980.  During this time, he attended the University of West Florida, where he earned his Masters degree in Clinical Teaching.

He followed his calling and become the pastor of Samson Church of God, and later at Beech Grove Church of God and New Life Holiness Church of God, where he was also the music leader until his health failed.

He was an excellent gardener and loved spending his free time tending to his prized flowers and plants.  He was a member of multiple clubs and organizations, where he shared his passion with others.

He was a Godly man with a heart of gold.  He loved people and always tried to put a smile on everyone's face.  He was loved by so many and made a lasting impression in everyone's life that they will never forget.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and nephew Matt.  He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Shirley, daughter Amanda, and son Joshua; granddaughter Abigail, and 2 grandsons, Jacob and Easton; 4 brothers and 2 sisters: Sib and Jimmy, Kenny and Ovalee, Ernie and Brenda, Geneice, Danny and Jen, and Tim and Nikki; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A time of visitation will be held from, 6:00- 8:00, Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 21, 2022 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Kenny Montgomery and Reverend Troy Hare officiating.

Flowers will be accepted.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Sims, Mark Sims, Tracy Owens, David Owens and Ian Owens, and Josh Rigsby.

Burial will be held at Red Bay Cemetery.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/