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Charles Montgomery Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Montgomery
Sponsored by Family.
Al Christopher
May 20, 2025
To say Charles 'Smoky' Montgomery was a legend in the music retail industry in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area would be an understatement. Charles was an astute businessman, fully dedicated to the Popular music industry and was a living encyclopedia to all that needed to be known in the world of Popular music. Although Smoky made it a solid point to be cordial and welcoming to all of his customers, he always had a plan for appropriately dealing with any riff-raff or unruly customers who might enter his store and Smoky put up with no guff from any customer. That was Smoky's key to success as a music retailer and respectable representative to the Music industry as a whole. His Shoppe was so much more that a mere record store, one can find and buy many accessories as well there for their music enjoyment such as recording tape, replacement styli for their record players, guitars and guitar accessories and even guitar lessons by some of the greatest music teachers in the area! Concert tickets and fabulous bus tours. Few if not many at all other record stores offered all that in their retail establishments but Smoky's did! I grew up in the Fort Wayne area and Smoky's Record Shoppe was my go-to for all the latest and greatest in popular music and related accessories. I retain many great memories of visiting his shoppe, the highlight amongst those memories was being introduced to a top, Contemporary Country music star there whilst on a particular visit there in 1978. Charles 'Smoky' Montgomery and Smoky's Record Shoppe remain to this day dear to my heart and amongst my fondest memories of my upbringing and early adulthood. Rest in peace, Charles.
Charlotte Walters
August 6, 2023
I heard years later you had passed away. I wish I had known. You knew me since i was a baby. Lots of memories of going for records. My group in high school did 3 charity shows for you. What fun! I will always remember you. Rest in peace.
Renee E Kolde
April 30, 2021
I grew up a block from Smoky's record shop on Wells St. The record store was a marvel and a fantasyland of my childhood. I'd browse for hours with Smoky, his clerk, and customers chatting in the background. It's a happy memory, because I never felt unwelcome to be there, despite the relatively small amount I spent in there, dreaming of music and singers.
Jeff Whetstone
September 20, 2007
I feel the same way as the family, can't believe it's been a year already. Take care.
The Montgomery Family
September 18, 2007
September 16, 2007
It has been a year...still hard to believe...even more difficult to comprehend...we miss you Smoky-Charlie-Dad!
Thanks to all for your kind rememberences.
Jill Swan (Gardiner)
September 26, 2006
Smoky was such an influence in my life. He and my mother (Lois Gardiner) became friends in the mid 70's back when I was still in highschool. He encouraged Mom to participate in so many different activities including Toastmasters, Parlementarians and the Democratic Lunch Club. He even recruited me to help host the dances at 1st Wayne St. church for the kids from State School.
Smoky went on to offer our sister in law, Karen, a job after her baby Brian was born. Brian, now an attorney in Atlanta, never passed up an opportunity to have lunch with Smoky when he was in town.
Smoky provided encouragement to all of my brothers and sisters. He planted a seed within us for civic duty and undying faith in people.
Smoky and his 'gang' would call Mom every week after her health failed and she moved to Florida. Their phone calls always lifted her spirits. When she passed last year he paid tribute to her on his TV show which was watched by all of us through tearfilled eyes.
Even afterward, Smoky would keep in touch with me just to see how we were doing.
How can he be gone? He is not gone. Smoky is in Heaven... and has probably started a new Toastmasters chapter already with all the great orators of the past. He will live in our hearts forever.
PAT PAINTER
September 25, 2006
Smoky was the most caring, supportive person I have ever met. As a member of his toastmaster club, we shared many fun times together. Smoky's zest for life and ability to find ways to help people reach their potential is a quality that few people have. He will be missed.
Gordon Given
September 25, 2006
Fort Wayne has lost a legacy, and Smoky will certainly be missed. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Ron Gregory
September 25, 2006
Dear Friends and Family of my old friend, Smoky.
Smoky was one of the most loyal people I've known, and that includes a lot of folks over the years.
He also was on my list of the 10 most memorable people I've ever known. This town will never be the same without the "Mayor of Wells St."
I will miss the TV show, the various projects Smoky stood behind, and the friendly encounters at the record shop.
Goodbye, my old friend!
Ron Gregory
Aaron Quandt
September 23, 2006
Chuck and Roger- Sorry for your loss. He made a difference. Your friend,
Aaron Quandt
Gwen Sordelet
September 22, 2006
My Sincere Sympathy to the Family of My Friend Smoky Montgomery -
I did not know when I stopped in the record shop about 7 years ago to see if he would advertise on Shine broadcasting radio station that I would end up with Smoky as my Friend. But - I did! I really enjoyed Smoky! He will be truly missed–I will remember all that made him the man he was – his work, his family, all that he enjoyed and found rewarding… calling to mind his beginnings, his journey and the wonderful stories we love to share about him. – His character, his integrity, his commitment to the things he stood for – recognizing his good heart, his sense of humor and the helping hand he so often extended to others. I am grateful for the times I shared with Smoky – enriched for having known him. And I will keep that feeling of his remarkable spirit with me forever. I’m sure they are singing Country in Heaven with Smoky at the lead guitar.
janet tinsley
September 22, 2006
MR Montgomery, WILL BE MISSED. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER AND WENT TO SMOKY'S RECORD'S SHOP ALOT JUST TO LOOK AROUND ,AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC THERE .THERE WAS TIMES HE WOULD GIVE OUT CANDY TO US YOUNG ONE'S AND SHAKE OUR HAND'S HE WILL BE MISSED
Peggy Snyder
September 21, 2006
Wishing the Montgomery family my
deepest sympathy and you are in our
prayers at this time. Smoky was a
friend of my family. He will be
missed by all.
God's Blessings
Colleen Koehl (Singer)
September 21, 2006
Dear Eva, Chuck, Roger, and family,
A light has gone out of this world with the passing of Smokey but his legacy of love and caring live on through you and the ones he touched. I still remember the nights being filled with music on McKinney from the practices of his band and the barn at McMillen rocking from the music and the dances. Smokey's great love of life and people was evident from his smile and laughter that could be seen and heard all the time. Memories of those good times will stay with me always.
Love to all of you from an old neighbor and friend.
Colleen (Singer) Koehl and family
Jane Davis-Ember
September 21, 2006
I wonder if the family knows how much, or how many experiences in the record shop hundreds of us can look back on with fond memories. I remeber the first time I heard "I want to hold your hand" by the Beatles. Yep, it was in one of the booths on South Anthony at Smokey's. I can't be the only one who had that same experience when that one song, that means so much to us up to this day, was first heard. I will bet it's uncountable. I will remeber him for his dedication to the industry, and my heart goes out to his family.
a friend in new haven
September 20, 2006
smokie will be mossed by everyone that knew him he was a giant in his field. he was a gental man and liked by young and old.. rest in pease we will miss you smokie
Don Graham
September 20, 2006
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Smoky Montgomery. He was a loyal friend, member, and supporter of the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association. He never failed to attend our annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet and he even graciously helped out by selling tickets for the event out of his famous record shop on Wells Street. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.
Don F. Graham
NEIBA Secretary
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the NEIBA
Judy Gardiner
September 20, 2006
Smoky was a part of our lives for so many years. He and my mother Lois were wonderful friends for more than 30 years and he was a great comfort to us on her passing last year. Smoky has always been larger than life and his legend will continue.
Keith Jimerson
September 20, 2006
In knowing that Smoky is in Heaven, God had blessed Fort Wayne with a Great Man of the community. I will miss you very much. God bless the Montgomery family.
John Hoylman
September 20, 2006
Smoky was a great guy. He was a freind of my Dad (Don Hoylman). I loved his store and his stories. He'll be missed. Fort Wayne has suffered a great loss. God bless him.
Becky W.
September 20, 2006
I remember alot of nice things
about Smoky and enjoyed meeting
him a few times, too, though not
enough for him to have much memory
of me. I sure will miss him though!
I would see him in church sometimes, as well as when I had a
chance to shop at his store.
C J Elrod
September 20, 2006
My sincerest sympathy to Smoky's family and friends!
I first stepped into Smoky's Record Shop in 1963, and again many more times over many more years! The only time I saw the Grand Ol' Opry at the Ryman Auditorium was part of Smoky's Tours!
I thought I was a customer . . . he always made me feel like a friend! He will be missed!
Molly Kendall
September 20, 2006
I'm sorry that I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Montgomery, but, I have had the pleasure (and honor) of teaching with his son Roger for the last 13 years. We have lost a Fort Wayne icon.
Elaine Keplinger Christen
September 20, 2006
To the Montgomery Family,
Although you don't know me, "Smoky" was such a bright spot for a special member of our family. "Smoky's Record Shop" was THE favorite spot for my little brother to find records that were nearly impossible to have located without Smoky's help. You see, my little brother was born brain-damaged, and music was one of his true delights. With the help of Smoky and my older brothers, some special request of Earnie's could be found among the racks--or Smoky could somehow locate that 45rpm from out of thin air. He brought so much joy to that little guy. And I know that my little brother wasn't the only one that Smoky made the world a lot happier place for. So, to Smoky's family, I extend a most sincere wish for comfort in your loss. More than you know, Smoky made a difference--for the GOOD. So many people were touched by his life. God bless you and keep you. And Smoky....thank you, from Earnie Keplinger and his family.
Helen Herron (Montgomery)
September 20, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeff Whetstone
September 20, 2006
One of the nicest men I've ever known. He did have his moments, mostly great ones. He will truly be missed by one and all.
Renee Loser
September 20, 2006
Smokey always a smile and a positive word! He left his wisdom and desire to keep Bloomingdale neighborhood a safe, clean, and prosperous place. He will always be rememebered for his love of Fort Wayne and what it had to offer everyone.
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