Richard “Dick” Bentley, 81, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 24, 2022. Dick was born May 23, 1940, in Columbus, Georgia to parents Howard and Ida Bentley. He grew up in Columbus, Georgia and graduated from Columbus High School in 1958. He then went on to pursue an engineering degree at Auburn University. While at Auburn, he met the love of his life, Sandra Samples Bentley, of Huntsville, Alabama. The two were married April 5, 1963. Upon graduation from Auburn, Dick served six years in the Army National Guard while beginning his engineering career at Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1967, Dick and Sandra relocated to Satellite Beach, Florida where they were a part of the growing space program at Kennedy Space Center. They raised their three daughters in Satellite Beach and created lifelong friendships within the community. In 1987, Dick and Sandra moved back to Huntsville where he continued his work in the space program working for McDonnell Douglas (Boeing). He retired from Boeing in 2003. Dick was a devoted husband to Sandra and father to his three daughters, Beth, Donna and Tricia. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, and skeet shooting. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He became a member of Building Church in 2007 where he faithfully served every Sunday for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ida Bentley, and his wife of nearly 59 years, Sandra Samples Bentley. He is survived by his daughters, Beth Bentley Bollero, Donna Bentley Watkins, and Tricia Bentley Mattox (Greg); sister, Susan Bentley Hilburn (Don); grandchildren, Justin Watkins, Hilary Watkins Dozier (Bryce), Katie Mattox (Isaac), Allison Mattox Cesmat (Ray), and Megan Bollero; and great-grandchildren, Piper and Wyatt Dozier. Special thanks to the great care of Janice Farmer and Affinity Hospice of Madison. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor Spencer Beach officiating. Memorials may be made to: Building Church, 845 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 35758 (buildingchurch.tv/give/).
