Bill Montgomery

William Thomas Montgomery (May 29, 1940 – July 28, 2020) was an American businessman and conservative political activist. In 2012, he cofounded the conservative political organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) alongside Charlie Kirk; Montgomery became Kirk's mentor and worked behind the scenes during the organization's early formation. He died due to complications from COVID-19.

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.

Career and activism Throughout his career, Montgomery worked as a business consultant, marketer, publisher, and restaurateur. Montgomery has been described as Kirk's mentor, including by advising him to start Turning Point USA rather than attend college. Montgomery also provided the initial funding for the group. Charlie Kirk called him a "dear friend" whose contributions shaped a generation of conservative activists. Turning Point USA honored Montgomery as an "iconic" figure whose "steadfast devotion" built the organization.