Randy Brown and Russell Hedges Bossier Press-Tribune
Bossier Press-Tribune is saddened to learn of the passing of former state Rep. Billy Montgomery of Haughton at the age of 87.
Montgomery represented Louisiana House District 9 for 20 years, from 1988 to 2008. A longtime educator, he also served as principal of Haughton High School and led the school’s basketball team to back-to-back state championships in 1968 and 1969. Montgomery is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Montgomery was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Award. The award “is presented annually by the LSWA’s 30-member Hall of Fame selection committee to an individual who has played a decisive role as a sports leader or administrator benefiting Louisiana and/or bringing credit to Louisiana on the national and international level,” according to the Hall of Fame’s website.
He served 20 years in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1988-2008. He was an advocate for the LHSAA and the state’s horse racing industry. According to the Hall of Fame website, he was also a pivotal figure in securing funding for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame museum in Natchitoches.
Following his time in the state legislature, Montgomery worked as a legislative liaison for the Bossier Parish Police Jury from 2008 until his retirement in 2021.
“I have known and worked with Billy Montgomery for many years and I can truthfully say he is the example of dedication and hard work,” Louisiana Senate President John Alario said during his retirement ceremony, per the Police Jury’s website.
“He always served his district well, but if someone asked for his help, he never asked who their representative was. He would do whatever he could to assist them, no matter where they lived.”
Montgomery was instrumental in bringing many sports events to the area in his role as chairman of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
Montgomery served as head boys basketball coach at Haughton from 1960-69 and at Lafayette High in 1969-70.
He led Haughton to back-to-back state championships in 1968 and 1969. The basketball court at Haughton High School is named in Montgomery’s honor.
Montgomery spent 18 years as an administrator at Haughton first as an assistant principal and then as principal from 1984-88 after his coaching career.
He was among the first group of inductees in the Haughton Basketball Hall of Fame in November.
The gymnasium at Bossier Parish Community College is named in his honor.
The Bossier Press-Tribune will share additional details as they become available.