Billy Joe "B.J." Montgomery

Obituary for B.J. Montgomery

Billy Joe “B.J.” Montgomery, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at Garden Hill Assisted Living in Columbus, Mississippi. Born on April 3, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, B.J. was raised in Edwards, Mississippi, by his loving parents, Charles Warren and Blanche Montgomery.

A proud graduate of Mississippi State University, B.J. earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1967. That same year, he began what would become a remarkable 34-year career with Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, where he was widely respected as a strategic thinker, visionary leader, and trusted colleague.

B.J.’s impact on the company—and the global pigment industry—was profound. He began as a process engineer and rose steadily through the ranks, holding roles such as Pigment Plant Manager, Production Superintendent, and Plant Services Manager at Kerr-McGee in Hamilton, Mississippi. In 1989, he was named Vice President of Overseas Joint Ventures and led the creation of a major international joint venture in Western Australia, which included a mineral sands mine, separation plant, synthetic rutile facility, and titanium dioxide pigment plant.

From 1993 to 1996, B.J. served as Managing Director of KMCC Western Australia, where he oversaw all operations and marketing of mineral sands with a team of 550 employees. Under his leadership, the division turned around and achieved record success within just a few years.

He went on to serve as Vice President of R&D and Business Management, introducing two new market-leading pigment grades and playing a key role in evaluating and acquiring international assets, including pigment operations in Europe. Later, as Vice President of U.S. and Australia Operations, he oversaw the expansion of the Hamilton plant, increasing production capacity and establishing it as one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. His overseas work also took him to Saudi Arabia and India, and many of the designs he created are now patented and used worldwide.

B.J. was not only an exceptional business leader but also a dedicated community member. He was a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Mississippi, a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, and past president of both the Tombigbee Chemical Engineers Club and the Center for Private Enterprise Board of Directors. He also served on the Prairie Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, proudly supporting the leadership development of young women. While living in Australia, he initiated a wildflower seed packaging project that provided economic opportunities for Indigenous communities—a reflection of his commitment to innovation and equity in every setting.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, B.J. had a vibrant, fun-loving spirit. A lifelong music lover, he played drums in any band that would let him, and his appreciation spanned genres from folk rock to Soul Train. He was a talented dancer and an absolute joy to watch on the dance floor—especially with his beloved Carmen. One of his family’s favorite memories was watching the two of them “cut a rug” with style and laughter. As a teenager, he even danced on the local TV show Teen Tempo.

In his early years, B.J. was student body president, class favorite, a member of Circle K, and the recipient of many honors at Hinds. He was an excellent chess player who enjoyed a good challenge when he could find a worthy opponent. While living in Australia, he loved exploring the countryside—especially the wine regions of Dunsborough and Margaret River.

An avid outdoorsman, B.J. found joy in tennis, golf, and fly fishing. He had a competitive spirit and a deep love for nature. His passion for fishing came from his father, who built handcrafted Montycraft boats and contributed to the war effort building PT boats for Higgins during WWII. Many of B.J.’s favorite fishing memories were of time spent with his dad—and he could spin a yarn just as easily as he could cast a line.

He was a member of Nedlands Golf and Tennis Club and St. George’s Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia. In Columbus, he was a past member of Magnolia Tennis Club, Columbus Country Club, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

B.J. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carmen Montgomery of Columbus, Mississippi; his daughter, Dr. Marian Montgomery Chancellor, and son-in-law, the Reverend Don Chancellor of Greenwood, Mississippi; and his grandchildren, Charles Garner Montgomery of Memphis, Tennessee, and Sarah Elizabeth Montgomery of Starkville, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved sons, Michael Joe and Jeffrey Warren Montgomery. His great-grandfather, Brigadier General Mark Perrin Lowery, founded Blue Mountain College.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Whitecar, the compassionate staff and nurses of Baptist Memorial Medical Group, the incredible team at Garden Hill Assisted Living, and Baptist Hospice for their devoted care and kindness.

A private columbarium service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702; Camp Rising Sun, P.O. Box 8241, Columbus, MS 39705; or the charitable organization of your choice.