Walker Montgomery

Walker and I were best friends when we were at Georgia Southern college both from Warner Robins, GA. My wife, Jan and I visited him in1970 at UGA photo department. We took many pics of them. I lost track of him after graduation as I was transferred to many states with my employer. Here is just one of the photos from our visits. I am so sorry that this great and so gifted gentlemen has left us.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Chris Cole and I had a screen printing studio in Athens in the early 70's and worked with Walker on a number of projects. We enjoyed his company and his wry humor. And it was clear that he had his own unique style: both in his approach to art and in the way he presented himself, as though he had stepped out of the 19th century.

Walker was a friend and fellow shooter who will be missed sorely. He elevated his craft whenever he grabbed his camera-his work reflected effort and insight that was amazing. In reading of his earlier years, before I knew him, I was not at all surprised to see his engineering degree! He could take anything apart and repair it, and quite often just made the equipment he needed! He knew what he wanted and didn't hesitate to build equipment specific to the task at hand. I loved his dry humor, and as we would find ourselves in ridiculous situations (like, running ahead of President Davison and the wife of the Israeli Prime Minister as they walked north campus...trying to stay out of each other's way, cameras banging as they hung from our necks, hoping for someone to gesture, like frantic groupies trying to get the one great shot) he would always come up with a great one-liner muttered under his breath. He loved life, and rarely missed humor in irony as it so often came our way in this profession.
Walker was a giving person, always willing to give "secrets" to particular lighting he worked hard to perfect, or processing tips that he had stumbled upon. He would offer to loan equipment-just generous beyond belief in this competitive field where knowledge of such can be the difference between being hired or not. I'll never forget the truly invaluable help he gave Sam Abrams, the Nat'l Geographic shooter that came to town to do a coffee table book for UGA. When Sam left town, Walker hosted a party and somewhere I have a photo of the two of them-which I will find and post. They almost looked like twins (including bald spots on the top of their heads, which they gladly bowed to show).
Too young he left us, but it was a privilege to know him and work beside him. We two were sometimes confused for each other-both with "W" names, and both with "two last names". We all live on in the memory of others, and with artists such as Walker, I liked what the great Terry Kay said in this book, something to the effect that Walker will be remembered through the wonderful works he left us with, beautiful images! Great stuff Walker! RIP Brother!

Walker was the greatest friend and neighbor anyone could ever ask for. I will miss you each day. Feeling blessed for knowing you.

My condolences and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow, may you rest in their love.

I am so sorry for your/our loss. There will be prayers for you and the family
(class mate-WRHS)

RIP, Walker Montgomery.

Walker and I attended high school and Jr. college together. Wonderful memories of the crazy things we did. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dave Rudick

Dear Bonnie & April; I'm sorry for our loss of Walker, but happy for Heaven's gain. Walker was always very nice & kind to me. We spent a little time together swimming & just having fun as teenage boys will do. I did not see him after High School...but I will always remember him as a friend & a good person. Heartfelt prayers & hopes for his family.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Walker. Didn't find out about it until today. I went to Warner Robins High School with Walker.

As a classmate, there was never a dull moment with Walker around. God Speed Walker.

I was very close to Walker in high school . Our parents were friends and attended UGA games together . I have only good memories of him . So sorry for your loss !!!!LaVonne Whitfield Harn

So sorry to hear about Walker. I graduated from high school with Walker. He was a very kind man and fun to be around. Prayers for you all.

Shocked and saddened. Walker was a great friend in high school and early college years. Regret that we lost touch. I still have photos of our oldest daughter he took when he was in college. She is 49 now! We treasure those photos but especially the memories of our youth which we shared with Walker Phelps Montgomery!

Bonnie, April, and Lynn----Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Jere Cater

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Memories of a lifetime living generously. ..may they sustain you, Bonnie and April. Always with you, Regina and Bob

Bonnie and April,
My sincere condolences to your loss of Walker. You will be in out thoughts.
Gisela and Tom

Bonnie, Starling and I are thinking about you at this difficult time.

Our love and condolences are with Walker's family at this time of sorrow. I am sure he will be sorely missed.

(John & Sally Kerr)
Johnny Gray's (a friend of Walker) Aunt & Uncle

Bonnie & April, I was sorry to hear of your loss & send my deepest condolences.
Lorna Messing

Bonnie & April, Our love and hearts are with you both with the loss of your beloved Walker. We are here for you both whenever you need us! Just how you have always been my "home away from home". From the Greiss/Gray Family

My condolences to the Montgomerys. I remember playing at your house (and the nearby creek) and your photographic advice to 'smize' (smile with your eyes) before it was popularized by tv.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their condolences and their memories of my father. It means more to me than I can put into words, and I look forward to seeing anyone who can make it Saturday at the Wake to share more memories and stories. Any photos of or by him that you want to bring will be appreciated.

May your loving memories bring you peace in the days to come. Watching Walker work was awesome - he always seemed to be having fun doing what he loved. He was a great, quirky guy and he will be missed!
-Christina Autry
Watkinsville

Walker and I spent a lot of time together in Athens, but lost touch after I moved to Nashville, TN. He took great photos of my wedding in Macon. Very sorry to hear of his death.

I was at Walker's only last month, having him photograph our newest model instrument. Every photograph I've used professionally in print and on-line for likely 20 years was a Walker Montgomery shot. Bonnie, my heart is so heavy for you, so heavy. I know you guys specifically chose Emory for the best possible outcome. This is so, so sad.

What a loss to all who knew him. Walker was one of the most talented and sharing people around. So saddened by this unexpected turn. May the family find peace.

Dear Bonnie and April, We remember Walker fondly. We are sorry for your loss, but trust great memories will sustain you. Angela & Richard Meltzer

Bonnie and April, we are so sorry to hear this news. We send love and light to you in this difficult time.

When I was a staff photographer for the Athens Banner Herald and Daily News it was quite natural for me to cross paths with Walker whenever I had an assignment at UGA. He was always especially generous with his knowledge of photography and more than willing to help me out in an unfamiliar situation, for someone like myself just starting out in journalism he was a tremendous resource to have on your side. Walker was never one for a lot of fancy photo gear, making many things he needed photographically entirely by himself, he showed me time and time again that what makes a great photographer has nothing to do with expensive equipment and everything to do with your heart and mind. It's a cruel twist of fate that he was taken from his family and friends too soon, by unexpected complications from surgery, he will sorely be missed.

Walker's patience and diplomacy during the decades of 'grin and grips' we covered for UGA news service was inspiring and instructional. He was a class act and we are all diminished by his loss. Thank you for sharing him with us.

I'm so sorry to hear about Walker, he was a fine artist and a nice guy. Best wishes to the family.

I've been Walker's friend since we first met at UGA 45 years ago. He was generous and always had time to help a friend in need. I'll miss him tremendously.

A remarkably talented and patient man. He was more than a picture-taker. He was an artist who saw the aura of his subjects and make portraits of souls. He will be missed, yes, but he will be remembered wherever his art is seen.

Bonnie, this has made us very sad. Thinking of you and all the family at this difficult time. We hope to see you Saturday.

I'm broken hearted for Ive lost a great friend who cannot be replaced. He truly made the world a better place.

Thinking of you at this most difficult time. You have our deepest condolences. - Cindy Howard & Mark Jackson

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.