Obituary of Zollie C. Montgomery III

Zollie C. Montgomery, III was born on January 9, 1938 in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the 2nd oldest of 5 siblings born to the late Zollie C. Montgomery, II and Florabelle. Zollie grew up in Birmingham and received his education in the Birmingham public school system. Zollie was married to Caroline Joyce Allen. He was the father of five children, Marcia, David, Tiffany, Jason and Zee. Zollie excelled both academically and athletically and completed his high school education at the tender age of 16. He was a gifted artist that hid his talent except for certain pieces of art that were secured by his art teacher who retrieved them from the trash and they remain today in the Birmingham Museum of Art. Zollie joined the Air Force where he was exposed to computers and information technology which would lead to a lifelong career in the computer industry. He was a well read man that never went anywhere without a book in hand. Zollie possessed an intriguing philosophical mind who enjoyed intellectual debates on topics that included religion, world affairs and maybe even the possibility of life on other planets. He attended college for 2 years. His Air Force experience aided him in securing a position with Newsweek Magazine in Dayton, Ohio which led to his migrating to Livingston, New Jersey where he was an integral part in pioneering the Data Processing/ Information Systems for the magazine. Zollie retired after 35 years of dedicated service. Zollie's spiritual endeavor was to, "live life to the fullest, enjoy yourself, don't hurt yourself and try not to hurt anyone else". Zollie's entire life revolved around his family and friends and nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He continuously encouraged and supported his family and was the greatest advocate for all those he loved. He leaves with precious memories, his wife of 37 years, Caroline Joyce Montgomery, daughters Marcia Lewis, Tiffany O'Neal, Zee Montgomery, sons; David Townsend and Jason Montgomery, grandsons Tobias and Malachi Lewis, granddaughters; Zoe Montgomery, Micaiah Lewis, Dasia Lewis, Mia Montgomery. He leaves to mourn his sisters Jacqueline McMickens, Delores Davis and Joyce Vitalis, brother, Robert Montgomery and a host of relatives and friends.