Gerald Lamar Bentley, 81, of Moulton, Alabama passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Lawrence Funeral Home and again at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Sunday, at the funeral home with Bro. Forrest Smith, Bro. Larry Dyar, and Bro. William McClellan officiating. Burial will be at Moulton Memory Gardens.
Born on August 22, 1943 to the late Tommy and Pauline Tillman Bentley, Gerald was a 1961 graduate of Fairview High School. He then graduated in 1965 from Florence State (now UNA) with a BS degree and in 1979 he earned his Master’s degree from UNA. Gerald was involved with the AEA, NEA, AERA, LCERA, UNA Alumni, Fairview Alumni, and Friends of the Library. He was also a longtime member and deacon of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Gerald enjoyed word puzzles, calligraphy, playing piano, singing, writing poems, juggling, sports (especially ping pong and horse shoes), but most of all spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beverly Smith Bentley; children, Amy (Mike) Hulsey, and Grant (Holly) Bentley; grandchildren, Caden Carter, and Cohen Carter; sister, Jo Ann (Willie) Smith; brother-in-law, Darrell Bates; sister-in-law, Vickie Bentley Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty (Herbert) Makemson, and Linda Bates; brother, Mike Bentley; father and mother-in-law, Reuben and Kylie Smith, sister-in-law, Linda Smith, and nephew, Doug Hamm.
Pallbearers will be Don Smith, Ron Smith, Chuck Winton, Joe Claborn, Danny Smith, Willie Smith, Dwight Mason, Eddie Sivils, Leon Bentley, Charlie Winton, Shane Smith, Forrest Smith, Jody Claborn, Tony Nobinger, Mike Hulsey, Caden Carter, Cohen Carter, Dale Walker, and Allen Early.
The family extends special thanks to Amedisys Hospice, Holly Bentley and Jan Smith for their excellent and loving care.
