Carlos Alberto Montes Jr., a man of profound heart, unwavering tenacity, and a joyful spirit, passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he adored on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Born in Long Island, NY, and raised in Jamaica Queens, NY. Carlos eventually found his home and community in Pontotoc, Mississippi, leaving a legacy of kindness wherever he traveled.
Carlos was a man who believed in the value of hard work and the power of a trade. After studying auto mechanics at Thomas A. Edison High School, he briefly shared his knowledge as a teacher before relocating to Mississippi. His career was a testament to his versatility and drive: he worked in cable optics alongside his brother Henry, served with distinction as a Corporal for the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and mentored many through various management roles.
In his later years, Carlos shared a partnership with his brother as a bail bondsman before realizing his dream of business ownership. He founded and operated his own taxi service—a business he poured his heart into. Notably, his desire to support others also led him to become an ordained minister, where he had the honor of uniting couples in marriage. Whether navigating the roads or officiating a ceremony, Carlos was always there to help people move forward, both in their travels and in their lives.
To know Carlos was to be treated like family. He never met a stranger and possessed a rare, empathetic patience that made everyone feel seen and supported. He was the ultimate mentor, found his greatest joy in teaching his many nieces and nephews about the essentials—be it the mechanics of a car, the secrets of a good meal, or the life skills needed to navigate the world.
Carlos’s greatest pride was not found in his titles, but in the successes of his family. He was a constant cheerleader for his nieces, nephews, and godchildren, bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. He was a man who truly put the needs of others above his own.
Carlos is survived by his wife, Shirley Montes, and a large, loving family who will carry his memory forward: Siblings & In-Laws: Brother: Henry V. Montes I (Rhonda), Sister: Martha DeLeon (Ariel Sr.), Sister-in-law: Sandy Cornet, Mother-in-law: Brenda Underwood, Father-in-law: Thomas Underwood, Nieces, Nephews, and Godchildren: The Montes Family: Henry “Vini” Montes II (nephew); Ashley Franks (niece) & daughter Isabella; Chris Jordon (Breanna) & children Aiden, Luke, and Amelia; Brad Mitchell (April); Alex Montes (nephew/godson); Stephanie Montes (niece) & children Jason Gomez, Ayden, and Emmalyn Montes (goddaughter), The DeLeon & Gonzalez Families: Ariel Jr.(nephew); Eloisa Gonzalez (Josue) & daughter Mila, The Bobb Family: Lidia Bobb (Dale); Dominique Bobb-Carson (Kelvin) & daughter Lorelai; Dale Bobb Jr.(great-nephew); DeLilah Bobb (great-niece/goddaughter), The Rivera Family: Anthony Rivera (Savanna) & son Viktor; Wesley Rivera (nephew/godson) & children Ronnie and Oliver; Allison Rivera (niece), The Cornet & Garcia Families: Alisha Garcia (Angel) & children Mateo and Amilia; Greta Hendrix (niece) & children Kayson and Kash; Laikyn Cornet (niece); Jayden Cornet (nephew); Brayden Cornet (nephew), The Ryans Family: Julius Jamal Ryans (godson), Luther Junior Ryans III (godson), Freeman Avory Ryans (godson), Ramirra Carlita Ryans (goddaughter)
Carlos was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carlos Alberto Montes Sr. and Maria Castañeda Montes; his sisters, Vilma Montes and Maria Rivera; and his great-nephew, Liam Blaze Rivera.
“Carlos lived with a compassion that knew no bounds. His memory remains a guiding light for all who knew him—a reminder to work hard, love deeply, and always offer a helping hand.”
Visitation will be held at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc, MS 12pm-2pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with services immediately afterwards. Bro. David Hamilton will officiate.
Pallbearers: Henry Montes I, Vini Montes II, Mark Baldwyn, Bill Broughman, Chad Hinton, Ethan Horton, Jeremy McMillen, Luther Ryans.
