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Montague Benton Haight Jr.
September 9, 2026
Montague Benton Haight Jr., “Benny,” 68, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife on September 5, 2026. Benny was a loving husband, son, father, Granddaddy, brother, Uncle, and friend to so many people.
Benny was born in DeLand, Florida on July 30, 1958. Benny grew up in DeLand, Daytona Beach, and Knoxville, Tennessee. At just 17 years old, Benny joined the United States Marine Corps and started his career on Embassy duty. His last tour was with General Wilson, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. as his personal bodyguard and chauffeur. Benny met fellow Marine Cathy in the last week of October 1978, he asked her to get married on December 19, 1978, and married her January 26, 1979, and swept her off her feet. They were married for forty-seven magnificent years. In 1980, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl Annie and moved to Pensacola, Florida from Knoxville to start a new life. In 1983, they welcomed their handsome son, Monty and completed their family of four. Benny worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier and Supervisor for over 30 years. For seventeen of those years, Benny walked the same ten miles a day through East Hill delivering mail. He genuinely loved his residents and made friends with so many of them over the years. You all held a special place in his heart. Benny and Cathy were youth advisors for over 10 years teaching the love of Jesus to every youth that walked through the doors of the church and many more outside of the church. You were all special to him, and he loved you like his own children. Benny coached Pre-T, T-Ball and Youth baseball for many years at Bellview Ballpark. He was excited for every win and every child he coached, including his own children. Benny was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and then St. Luke United Methodist Church until his health declined. The last year Benny defied the odds of survival after a devastating stroke last July. Benny was a devoted husband, father, and Granddaddy participating in every aspect of our lives to the best of his ability. Benny loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them. They were his life. Benny was a die-hard Tennessee Volunteers football fan and loved the orange and white! Go Vols! For the last few years, he even cheered for the LSU Tigers with his son-in-law and grandchildren! Geaux Tigers!
Benny is survived by his beloved wife Cathy, daughter and son-in-law Annie and Thomas Townsend, son, Montague Benton Haight III “Monty,” grandchildren, Baylen Matthew Payne, Allie Grace Townsend, Thomas Andrew Townsend Jr. “Andrew,” sisters, Sherry and Joe Nero, Deborah Cline, Vicky Curtis, Kathy and Nick Proffitt, Robin and Joe Brown, Aunt Betty Beck, Aunt Marion and Uncle Theron Padgett, Aunt Judy Caldwell, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his adopted daughters from UWF, and friends that were family.
Benny is proceeded in death by his parents, Montague Benton Haight Sr. “Monty” and Barbara Cox Caldwell, Step-Father Bobby Joe Caldwell, father-in-law, Dillon Gregory Touart Jr., son-in-law, Richard Manning Hutson, brother-in-law Allen Curtis, Uncle Fred Parantha, Uncle Joe Parantha, Aunt Bee and Uncle Mike Ruff, Uncle Fred Beck, and Uncle William “Billy” Haight.
Our Grandaddy, Daddy, Hubby, Son, Brother, Munchkin, and friend will be missed dearly by all. His wit and wisdom kept us on our toes, and his knowledge of life was always beyond his years. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Sullivan, Tracy, Kendall, and the entire staff at Emerald Coast Hospice for the last 14 months of care, love and concern you have shown Benny and Cathy and our entire family. We are profoundly grateful for all you have done for us.
A memorial visitation will be held on September 12, 2026, at 2pm at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 S Hwy. 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Graveside services will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola at a later date.
Please wear your Orange and White to celebrate Benny’s love of the Tennessee Volunteers and his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your local Veteran’s Association.
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