W.T. Shumake & Daughters

July 19, 1939 - December 8, 2025

Tommie Lee Montgomery, Sr. age 86, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on December 8th, 2025.

Visitation 9-11 Monday, December 15, 2025 at Community Missionary Baptist Church 4909 E. Indian Trail. Funeral to follow at 11am. Burial Calvary Cemetery.

Born on July 19th, 1939, in Eastaboga, Alabama, Tommie Lee was the son of Lee Grant Montgomery and Savannah Montgomery. He grew up in Eastaboga and proudly earned his GED in 1963.

On July 5th, 1958, Tommie Lee married the love of his life, Joyce Montgomery, and together they shared sixty-two years of devotion, partnership, and unwavering companionship. He worked as a forklift operator at Ford Motor Company for thirty years, where he was known for his strong work ethic, his dependability, and his dedication to providing for his family. A natural handyman and lifelong family man, Tommie Lee built a legacy rooted in hard work, generosity, and love.

At an early age, Tommie Lee joined Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he began singing in the choir. He had a lifelong love of gospel music and continued singing with joy throughout his life.

After moving to Louisville, Tommie Lee began a concrete business, pouring foundations and driveways that, much like his legacy, will stand the test of time. Working alongside the Posey family, he helped shape many neighborhoods throughout Louisville—particularly in the Newburg community—at a time when seeing Alabama men build a thriving concrete business was truly remarkable.

Outside of his career, Tommie Lee enjoyed gardening, cutting grass, going to bingo, eating ice
cream, cheering on the University of Louisville Cardinals, cooking, and especially
barbecuing—often without revealing what kind of meat he was serving, all while using his secret
barbeque sauce. He cherished time spent with his family and was known for his humor, his
straightforward nature, his understanding and forgiving spirit, his kindness, and the iconic hats
he wore. A pillar of his community, he loved working hard—and he loved the smell of money.

Tommie Lee was a strong figure in his family, always offering shelter, support, and words of wisdom in times of need. He found joy in being with his children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, bringing people together through food and countless cookouts. His
great-grandchildren adored him for the sweets he always kept around the house. He raised his family with a foundation rooted in faith and ensured their love for the Lord. Building a strong,
close-knit family was his greatest legacy.

Tommie Lee is survived by his children: Tommie Lee (Teaunda) Montgomery, Jr., Clyde Montgomery, Patricia Jackson, Tonya Montgomery, Dr. Delisa (late Rev. James) Brooks, and Oliver (Rolanda) Montgomery; his grandchildren Lillian, Clyde, Shancorice, Erica, Di’Shon, Christopher, Canayec’ya, Neda’Lair, Chelsea, Sherica, Jarica, Neal Jr., Oliver Jr., Nautica, Olivia, Orionna, Rameisha, Deja’Nae, Ondrea, James Jr., Serenity, Jaxon, and Tonda; sixteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Roosevelt Montgomery, Arthur Montgomery, Charles Freeman, Gregory Freeman, Fannie Palmer, Helen Hassell, Sarah Ann Henderson, Catherine Johnson, Janice Freeman, Mary Lois Thomas; three brother
in-laws, one sister-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Montgomery; his daughter, Prudence Montgomery; his granddaughter, Tonisha Montgomery; and his grandson, Surrender Montgomery.