It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of son, brother, father, uncle, friend, and comrade Bennie Lee Montgomery III, who left this world on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026. Bennie left us too early at age 57 due to chronic illness and health complications. Our grief is deep because Bennie deserved more years, more joy, more time — and we know that anti-Black racism and poverty had a hand in denying him that, as they have denied so many in our community.
He is survived by his mother, Ida Johnson, and his siblings Dwayne Montgomery, Tito Johnson, Shauntae Johnson, and James Griffin Jr. Bennie loved his children with his entire heart and will be deeply missed by Kandace Montgomery, Destiney Montgomery, Bennie Montgomery IV, and Trinity Hood. He was a proud "Pops" to his only grandchild, Mylez Jackson. Bennie has friends who are family all over including Southern Florida where he grew up, Maine, and Minnesota.
Bennie was a loving, kind, and strong-willed man, well known for his expressive face and never-ending humor. He cared deeply about his loved ones and was never afraid to show it. At his core, Bennie was a good man who believed in a future where all of his people were free from suffering and able to experience abundant joy. He loved his pets tremendously — especially his road dog and forever companion, Capone, whom he was overjoyed to reunite with on the rainbow bridge.
After moving to Minnesota in 2018, Bennie became involved in local community organizing and was honored to be part of movements in the Twin Cities fighting for justice. He was our biggest cheerleader in this world, and we know he will continue to be from his place as an Ancestor. We hope he is smoking the biggest blunt, grilling, living pain free, and chasing Capone around in heaven forever.
Bennie was a working class man all his life. Given the unexpected nature of his passing, we are asking for your help to cover the costs of his services and to ensure he is honored and celebrated in the ways he truly deserves.
This includes:
— Cremation costs, funeral service, and celebration of life expenses
— Flights for his loved ones from Florida and Maine to travel to Minnesota
— Lodging for his loved ones coming into town for the services
— Printing costs for memorial items
— Groceries and supplies for the family during this difficult time
– Paying off debts and other end of life costs
****Please note that any funds raised exceeding what ends up being needed will be donated to organizations/causes Bennie believed in****