Birmingham, Alabama, September 1, 2025
News Summary
John Montgomery Hogewood, a beloved family man and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and mentoring. Nurturer of family and supporter of education, he was celebrated for his contributions to Samford University and the lives he touched across Birmingham.
Birmingham, Alabama – John Montgomery Hogewood, fondly known as Monty, Dad, and Pappy, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on August 29, 2025, in the early morning hours, surrounded by his loving family. His death marks the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, whose impact resonated throughout his life and career.
Born on August 11, 1945, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Monty was the son of Ashley Lee Hogewood, Sr. and Dixie Duncan Hogewood. He graduated from Myers Park High School in 1963 and went on to earn his degree from Wake Forest University in 1967, where he became an ardent fan of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Monty’s professional journey began as a management trainee at Sears in 1966. His career took a significant turn in 1992 when he shifted to fundraising and development at Samford University. During his time at Samford, Monty was instrumental in raising millions of dollars, earning accolades for his efforts including the William Roth Outstanding Fund Raising Professional Award and induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024, where he also received the John C. Pittman Lifetime Achievement Award.
An active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Monty was known for his enthusiasm for Samford Athletics, regularly cheering on the teams with the rallying cry, “Go Bulldogs!” His leadership extended beyond fundraising as he served as a mentor to many in the nonprofit sector.
Monty’s life was deeply intertwined with his family. He met his wife, Connie Mays Hogewood, at Brookwood Baptist Church, where they shared 42 years of marriage. Their family grew in 1983 when they blended their families, including children from previous marriages: Mark, Jay, Lynn, and Amy. Monty was affectionately called “Pappy” by his grandchildren: Beck, Luke, Anna, Mariah, Mary, Grayson, Garner, Brady, Addison, and his newest bonus grandchildren, Emilee and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his older brother, Ashley Lee Hogewood, Jr., and sister-in-law Wanny Hogewood, along with several nephews and a niece.
The Hogewood family expressed pride in Monty’s legacy and the profound impact he had on countless individuals through his encouragement and service. Monty was known for his warm personality and his ability to connect with others, often described as someone who never met a stranger. His family extends their gratitude to Dr. Allen Yeilding for his compassionate care, as well as the dedicated nurses and staff at Brookwood Hospital and Hematology and Oncology Associates of Alabama.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for September 6, 2025, from 10:00 am until the service at 11:00 am at First Church United Methodist in Birmingham, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Monty’s memory to various organizations including the Wake Forest Fund, Cumberland School of Law Academic Success Program, First Church Birmingham, UAB School of Nursing Scholarship Fund, or Mitchell’s Place in Birmingham, Alabama.
Monty’s Legacy
Monty’s contributions extended beyond his professional achievements; he was a beloved family man and an influential figure in his community. His commitment to philanthropy and sports, especially in supporting youth and educational initiatives, has left a lasting imprint on Birmingham and beyond.
Key Facts About John Montgomery Hogewood
- Full Name: John Montgomery Hogewood
- Date of Birth: August 11, 1945
- Date of Death: August 29, 2025
- Age: 80
- Education: Myers Park High School; Wake Forest University
- Career: Management at Sears, Fundraising at Samford University
- Family: Survived by wife Connie, children Mark, Jay, Lynn, and Amy, and numerous grandchildren
- Awards: William Roth Award, John C. Pittman Lifetime Achievement Award
Contact Details
For inquiries regarding the service or donation information, please contact First Church United Methodist in Birmingham, Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Celebration of Life service be held?
- The service is scheduled for September 6, 2025, with visitation starting at 10:00 am.
- How can I make a donation in Monty’s memory?
- Donations can be made to various organizations, including the Wake Forest Fund and the UAB School of Nursing Scholarship Fund.
- Who survived Monty Hogewood?
- He is survived by his wife Connie, four children, and a number of grandchildren.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: John Hogewood Obituary
- Wikipedia: John Hogewood
- Samford Athletics Hall of Fame Announcement
- Google Search: Samford Athletics Hall of Fame 2024
- Jacqueline Tobey Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacqueline Tobey
- Elbrey Herring Obituary
- Google News: Elbrey Herring Obituary
- Elizabeth Norris Obituary
- Google Scholar: Elizabeth Norris
- Henry Lyon Obituary
- Google Search: Henry Lyon Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
