[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 120 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF GEORGE CRANWELL ``CRAN'' MONTGOMERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TIM BURCHETT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2021

  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Ambassador 
George Cranwell Montgomery, who passed away on June 14 at the age of 
76. Many people addressed him as ``Mr. Ambassador,'' but to friends in 
Knoxville or to colleagues near and far, he was simply known as 
``Cran.''
  Cran was born and raised in Knoxville before heading to school at the 
University of Virginia. Following his graduation in 1966, Cran was 
commissioned into the Navy for 6 years and served as a Commander in 
Vietnam. He remained in the Navy Reserves until 1994, when he retired 
as a Captain.
  After his military service, Cran earned a degree from Vanderbilt 
University Law School and started working for Tennessee Senator Howard 
Baker, Jr. Cran worked for Senator Baker while he was Senate Minority 
and Majority Leader, advising him on matters related to foreign policy 
and national security.
  Cran gained experience and knowledge on Middle East foreign policy 
while working for Senator Baker, leading President Ronald Reagan to 
nominate Cran for U.S. Ambassador to Oman. Cran 's nomination was 
successful and he served as Ambassador to Oman from 1985 to 1989. He 
then moved back to Washington to practice international law at the 
Baker Donelson law firm. When he retired, Cran and his wife Carol 
returned to East Tennessee to spend time in his beloved home state 
surrounded by his loved ones.
  Cran was a brave military veteran, dedicated public servant, and a 
valuable member of the east Tennessee community. He leaves behind his 
wife, Carol; his daughter, Erynn; and many other loved ones who will 
remember him fondly. I thank him for the many ways he served our 
country throughout his life.

                          ____________________