Harry Bentley

Harry Bentley, Sr. was a stranger to no one. He had a beautiful spirit and the biggest smile and grin you ever wanted to see. When he greeted you with his famous words, "Easy Does It, All the Time," you felt welcomed and loved. Harry, at age 95, was called home to rest on May 30, 2024, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Georgia. He was born on December 11, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Thomas and Dora Bentley–the seventh of nine siblings. He was united in marriage to Minnie V. Curry. Two sons were born to that union: Harry Bentley, Jr. and Carnovsky Bentley. Harry was later united in marriage to Annie Pearl Porterfield. To that union, two children were born: Rickey Bentley (deceased) and Maria Bentley (deceased). On November 27, 1964, Harry and Sarah L. Tubbs joyously joined in holy matrimony in Tuscaloosa, Alabama–a loving marriage lasting almost 60 blissful years. To that union, they welcomed a blended family of six children: Harry Jr., Carnovsky, Ricky, Maria, as previously mentioned, Ronald K. Tubbs, Sr. (deceased), and Jacqueline Tubbs Harvey. Harry graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He served his country in the United States Army, where he fought in the Korean War, and in the United States Air Force, where he was honorably discharged in 1955. After serving his country, Harry was employed by Acipco Pipe Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Subsequently, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed with the United States Postal Services as a mail handler for 24 years until retirement in 1985. He was also employed as a Teacher Aide at Guggenheim Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. Harry and his lovely wife, Sarah, relocated to Marion, Alabama, in 1988. He began his second career with the Perry County School District, Marion, Alabama, where he was a substitute teacher until 2004. Harry and Sarah retired for good and moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to live with their daughter (Jacqueline) and be near their grandson (Ronald, Jr.). Harry accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Center Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. While in Marion, Alabama, he was a faithful member of Zion United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. It is no surprise to anyone who knew Harry that his greatest joy was singing. His strong, melodious, baritone voice mesmerized the congregation each Sunday. Sarah would weep the entire time when he sang solos. Harry loved his family and will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Sarah L. Bentley and one daughter, Jacqueline T. Harvey of Lawrenceville, Georgia; two sons, Harry Bentley, Jr. (Jeanette) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Carnovsky Bentley (Kathy) of Gadsden, Alabama; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by sons, Rickey Bentley and Ronald Tubbs, Sr.; daughter, Maria Bentley; wives, Minnie Curry Bentley and Annie Porterfield Bentley; siblings –Thomas Bentley, Alice Bentley Kennedy, John Bentley, Dorothy Bentley Maul, Julius Bentley, Evelyn Bentley Wilson, Hattie Bentley (his twin), and James Bentley. So, to a wonderful man, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend, we say, “Easy Does It, All the Time”! Rest In Peace, and we will greatly miss you! A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CST, at Sardis Baptist Church, 1615 4th Court, West Birmingham, AL. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 1:15 pm. CST, at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy. 119, Montevallo, AL.

Harry Bentley

December 11, 1928 - May 30, 2024