James Rodney Montgomery Sr., 82 of Edgefield, S.C. entered the gates of Heaven on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Rodney was the son of the late Robert Rudder and Grace Rodrick Rudder. He was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Aiken High School in Aiken, S.C. After High School, Rodney served in the Army National Guard and then embarked on a long career as a skilled tradesman. He ended his career retiring from University Hospital in Augusta, Ga. where he was the Director of Plant Services.

Rodney was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish and traveled all over the US to do so. He was a member of the Horn Creek Bow hunters in S.C. and served on the board for Waterfowl, USA. While he loved hunting and fishing adventures everywhere, what he enjoyed most was weekends outdoors with friends and family.

Following the birth of his first grandson, who called him "Poppie", the name quickly became what everyone called him. He opened Gr8 Dealz Gun & Pawn in North Augusta in his early seventies, and soon the entire area knew of the legendary "Poppie". He loved the interactions and the opportunities to help people.

Rodney was a Christian- he loved the Lord and had been a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church for over forty years.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, his sons James Rodney Montgomery, Jr. and James Rick Montgomery. His is survived by his wife, Polly Jo Manley Montgomery, his brothers Eddie Rick Montgomery (Caroline) and Robert Reese Rudder, two daughters Jaime Renee Montgomery McKie (Kenneth), and Jay Robin Montgomery Register (Tony), his daughter in law Kathy Reel Blazer. His legacy continues in his grandchildren Kenneth Louis McKie Jr. (Staci), Brannen Montgomery Blazer (Ashley), David Benigno Juarez (Savannah), Carolyne Jean McKie Simms (Dalton) James Daniel Juarez, and eight great grandchildren Ava, Kenley, Gunner, Sawyer, Henry, Hattie, Ruby June and James Lake. Rodney is also survived by his friends he considered family: Mark Streekstra (Robyn) Gwen Barker (Brad), Wayne Waldrop (Sandy) and their families.

A visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Sweetwater Baptist Church Chapel, 198 Sweetwater rd. North Augusta, S.C. with service following at 11:00am at the chapel with burial to be at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be as follows: Kenneth McKie Jr., David Juarez, Daniel Juarez, Dalton Simms, Darryl "Buddy" Green, Greg Holland, Tommy Osborne, Mark Streekstra, honorary bearers being Wayne Waldrop and Brad Barker.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home. Please share a memory or photo at www.edgefieldmercantilefh.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wild Game Ministry at Sweetwater Baptist Church c/o Brian Ayers.