Conroe Courier - News
Chris Zora passes away; memorial set for Jan. 17
By Brad Meyer
Professional automobile appraiser Chris Zora, 66, a colorful and sometimes controversial figure in Montgomery County politics, died of a heart attack Dec. 14.
A memorial service for Zora will be held from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Montgomery County Community Center, located at 102 Liberty St. in Montgomery, according to information from his obituary.
Zora was the sole proprietor of Automobile Appraisers and Associates and a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers and accredited member of The International Society of Appraisers.
An outspoken community activist, Zora was known for his involvement in civic and political matters. He was a regular attendee at Montgomery County Commissioners Court meetings and a frequent writer to The Courier’s Letters to the Editor.
“He was a real thorn in their sides,” said Jacqui Brooks, a lifelong friend of Zora, about his relationship with county officials. “He was very up front about his feelings. You never had to wonder where he stood on an issue.”
Last year in March, Zora filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Montgomery County, Sheriff Tommy Gage, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Artemus and other employees of Montgomery County, claiming improper conduct and a violation of personal rights.
Zora alleged $24,000 in cash and automobile parts were stolen from a storage facility he leased between May and December of 2007.
In June, Leonard J. Meyer, an attorney hired by Zora after the suit was filed, submitted a motion to dismiss on behalf of his client. U.S. District Court Judge Venessa D. Gilmore dismissed the case June 20.
“You either liked Chris or you didn’t,” Brooks said. “A lot of people will miss him.”
In lieu of flowers, family members request donations be made in the memory of Zora to the Heart Fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service for Zora will be held from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Montgomery County Community Center, located at 102 Liberty St. in Montgomery, according to information from his obituary.
Zora was the sole proprietor of Automobile Appraisers and Associates and a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers and accredited member of The International Society of Appraisers.
An outspoken community activist, Zora was known for his involvement in civic and political matters. He was a regular attendee at Montgomery County Commissioners Court meetings and a frequent writer to The Courier’s Letters to the Editor.
“He was a real thorn in their sides,” said Jacqui Brooks, a lifelong friend of Zora, about his relationship with county officials. “He was very up front about his feelings. You never had to wonder where he stood on an issue.”
Last year in March, Zora filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Montgomery County, Sheriff Tommy Gage, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Artemus and other employees of Montgomery County, claiming improper conduct and a violation of personal rights.
Zora alleged $24,000 in cash and automobile parts were stolen from a storage facility he leased between May and December of 2007.
In June, Leonard J. Meyer, an attorney hired by Zora after the suit was filed, submitted a motion to dismiss on behalf of his client. U.S. District Court Judge Venessa D. Gilmore dismissed the case June 20.
“You either liked Chris or you didn’t,” Brooks said. “A lot of people will miss him.”
In lieu of flowers, family members request donations be made in the memory of Zora to the Heart Fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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