Bennie Montgomery

Bennie James Montgomery was born on August 31, 1933 in Bosqueville, Texas to H. and Josephine Miller Montgomery. He was the fifth child of thirteen children. He graduated from Bosqueville High School in 1951. 

He was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War and remained in the Army Reserve until he retired. He met and married Tommie Jewel in 1953 and together they had six biological children; however, they raised many more. 

He also worked and retired from the Waco VA Hospital. After retirement, he went on to start his own business as an exterminator and was commonly known to many as “Bennie the Bugman.”

He also spent several years fishing and taking care of his hogs, at the hog pen. He never met a stranger and was known for taking care of everyone in the neighborhood. Because of the unconditional love shown to his family and neighbors, his home was known as the “Big-House.” Everyone knew that you could always come to the “Big-House” for a warm meal and no questions would be asked.

Although Bennie only had six biological children, he was a father figure to many. He loved the Lord and spent years serving under the leadership of his brother, Pastor Frank Montgomery. He was the Chairman of the Deacon Board, worked on the finance committee, sang in the male chorus, and drove the church van. He could often be spotted in the parking lot or in the foyer working as security to make sure that things were safe and in order.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H. and Josephine Montgomery, his wife, Tommie Jewel Montgomery, daughter, Barbara “Rudy” Thomas, two sisters, Willa J. Anderson and Dorothy L. Fortson, four brothers, Rev. Warren G. Montgomery, George Montgomery, Rev. Henry Montgomery, and Harold Montgomery Sr.

He leaves to cherish: five children, Carolyn Dever, Marvin Montgomery (Bertha), Gloria Jones, Cynthia Long and Bobby Montgomery (Ladonna); he also raised, Emma, Billy Ray, Jerry Lockhart and Peggy and Eddie Caufield; adopted daughter, Sharon “Nene” Keggins and son-in-law, Rev. George Long Jr.; brothers, Rev. Frank Montgomery, Rev. Joe Montgomery, Wardell Montgomery (Kelly) and Donald Montgomery (Sheila); sisters, Shirley Malone (Dr. Thomas) and Beverly Cobb (Carey), 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren and a host loving of other relatives and friends.

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