LCDR Michael Richard Montee, USN (ret), 74, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, September 21, 2024, surrounded by his family and his closest friends.

Michael was born in Detroit, MI on February 19, 1950, and was raised in Pensacola. He attended Turner Lee Day School, Warrington Middle School, and Escambia High School. He graduated with a BA in Finance from University of Mississippi on a ROTC Naval Scholarship.

He was commissioned in the Navy as an Ensign in 1972, and attended Flight School at NAS Whiting Field, where he received his wings as a helicopter pilot. He was stationed at NAS North Island, Coronado, CA in squadron HSL-33. While he was stationed in San Diego, he met his wife, Karen, and they were married in 1976.

Upon completing his tour on the West Coast, Mike and Karen returned to his hometown of Pensacola, where he served as a helicopter flight instructor at NAS Whiting Field in squadron HT-18. After 7 years of active duty, Mike continued his navy career as a flight instructor with the Naval Reserves and retired after 21 years.

While in the Naval Reserves, Mike joined his father in the family business as a Financial Planner (CFP) at United Services Underwriters until he retired in 2019.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting, bird hunting, and fishing. He loved spending time at home with his family, his faithful dogs Delta and Dixie, and watching Florida State Football. He was a caring, loving husband and father who provided a wonderful life for his family. He was thoughtful and a strategic planner who was numbers oriented and extremely business savvy. He was dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. Those who had the privilege of knowing Mike saw him as a source of wisdom and encouragement. His quiet strength and gentle spirit were felt by everyone whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will forever be cherished.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jean Patricia Montee.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Karen M. Montee of Pensacola; son, Matthew Montee (Tracey) of Pensacola, FL; daughter Melissa Montee Lemoine (Benjamin) of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren, Casey and Cameron Montee, Luca, Celine, and Henri Lemoine; brothers, Gary Montee of Pensacola and Mark Montee (Julie) of Huntsville, AL.

A Memorial Service for Mike will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Geoffrey Lentz and Rev. Emily Kincaid officiating. Mike's ashes will be inurned at Barrancas National Cemetery in a Private Family Service.

The family wishes to thank his devoted caregivers, Santernet Sims, Michelle Sparks, and Paula White for their compassionate care for Mike over the last six months as well as Gentiva Hospice, in addition the family is grateful for the dear friendship of Brooks and Frankie Hodnette for their kindness and assistance during Mike's illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Association, www.apdaparkinsons.org or the charity of your choice.