William Thomas Montgomery (May 29, 1940 – July 28, 2020) was an American businessman and conservative activist.[1] He co-founded the conservative political organization Turning Point USA with Charlie Kirk; Montgomery became Kirk's mentor and worked behind the scenes during the organization's early formation.
Bill Montgomery | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Thomas Montgomery May 29, 1940 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | July 28, 2020 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Marketing businessman |
| Organizations | Turning Point USA |
| Known for | Mentor of Charlie Kirk |
| Movement | Conservatism in the United States |
Early life
editMontgomery was born on May 29, 1940, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Peoria, Illinois. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve.[2]
Career and activism
editMontgomery spent his working career in marketing.[3] After retiring, he founded Turning Point USA with Charlie Kirk in 2012. He served on Turning Point's board and as its secretary and treasurer until spring of 2019.[4] Montgomery met Kirk when the latter was 18, after hearing Kirk speak at a small college.[4] Montgomery has been described as Kirk's mentor.[4]
Death
editHe died of complications from COVID-19 on July 28, 2020, at age 80.[5] After his death, Turning Point USA deleted a tweet that mocked wearers of protective masks.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Behind Turning Point USA's funding boom – with half of it coming from 10 anonymous donors". NBC News. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
- ^ "Obituary: William Thomas Montgomery". Neptune Cremation Service. Neptune Society. July 28, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ Nelson, Rebecca (25 March 2015). "The 21-Year-Old Becoming a Major Player in Conservative Politics". The Atlantic. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
- ^ a b c Pearson, Jake; Spies, Mike (21 July 2020). "At This Trump-Favored Charity, Financial Reporting Is Questionable and Insiders Are Cashing In". ProPublica. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ Brest, Mike (30 July 2020). "Turning Point USA co-founder Bill Montgomery dies after contracting coronavirus". Colorado Politics. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ Porter, Tom. "Pro-Trump youth group TPUSA deleted a tweet mocking protective masks after its cofounder died of the coronavirus". Business Insider. Retrieved 8 July 2021.