Bill Montgomery (activist)
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 |
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 mostly behind the scenes in Turning Point's early years.
Early life
Montgomery 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
Montgomery 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
He died of complications from COVID-19 in July 2020, at age 80.[5] After his death, Turning Point USA deleted a tweet that mocked wearers of protective masks.[6]
References
- ^ "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.