Benjamin Lewis Montgomery

Benjamin Lewis Montgomery, II, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Saint Johns, Florida on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on July 3, 1933, he was one of three children -- and the only son -- of Benjamin Lewis Montgomery and Eloise Wilkins Montgomery.

Ben grew up in Pacolet, South Carolina, and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1951. He proudly served in the United States Army and, later, attended Clemson University, earning a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Electrical Engineering in 1958. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked for 37 years until his retirement in 1995. He continued serving as a private contractor to McDonnell Douglas and Boeing for several years, following the C-17 project to Los Angeles, California and Charleston, South Carolina.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn Cudd in1952. Together, they lived in several states, before finally settling in St. Louis, Missouri, to raise their family. After his retirement, Ben and Carolyn made their home in Charleston and later in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ben is survived by a daughter, Vicki Montgomery Grossmann (Roger) of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, a son, Benjamin Lewis Montgomery, III (Ruth) of Fulton, Missouri, a daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Montgomery Bell (known professionally as Elizabeth Montgomery Moses)(David), and a dearly loved daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hardesty Montgomery of Washington, Missouri, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 4 nephews, 2 nieces, and one faithful dog.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn, his son, Hugh Edward Montgomery, his grandson, Zachary Lewis Montgomery, and many cherished family members.

Ben was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He lived a long and full life marked by quiet strength, kindness, good humor, and an unwavering appreciation for the simple joys. One of his greatest pleasures was taking long walks at the park with his dog, Buddy. Together, they became a familiar and heartwarming sight to those who frequented Alpine Park.

Ben adored his family, his friends, and – perhaps just as famously – his dogs. Ben loved dogs so much that it became a running family joke to check his suitcase before he left, just to make sure a tail was not hanging out. His mischievous sense of humor and love of story-telling brought laughter to every gathering.

Ben also loved airplanes, gardening, and adventuring outdoors, including one particularly epic whitewater rafting trip with his sons down the Colorado River.

He was a longtime member of Mandarin Baptist Church, where pastors, friends, and the congregation faithfully cared for both him and his wife. Their prayers, visits, and love, both recently and over the years, have brought consolation to the family.

Ben leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and wisdom. His family and all who knew him will carry forward the values he and Carolyn lived by -- humility, compassion, humor, a profound love of the Lord Jesus, and a deep respect for the world around him.

Ben will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at a location, date, and time to be announced. Those wishing to make a memorial gift in his name are invited to support Good Shepherd Ministries in Guatemala, a ministry of International Indigenous Community Development (“IICD”) – an organization very dear to his heart. Checks can be mailed to: IICD-Good Shepherd Ministries, c/o Hamilton Financial, P.O. Box 51324, Durham, North Carolina 27717