Funeral services for Howard Wayne Bentley, Sr., age 73 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Monday at 1:00 PM at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Cummings and Rev. Keith Lorick officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Bentley passed away Friday at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.
A native of Madison County, he was the son of the late Howard DeFord and Birdie Parcus Bentley. Mr. Bentley was former owner of the Huntsville Speedway, was a Golden member of the Kiwanis Club and a 23 year government employee of NASA. He was owner and operator of Howard Bentley Buick GMC for 29 years and was a member of the Meridianville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife Faye Vann Bentley of Fayetteville, son Wayne Bentley (Kathy) of Albertville, AL, daughter Shawn Bentley of Fayetteville, grandchildren Taylor and Alana Bentley both of Albertville, AL, and Tyler Bentley of Southside, AL, sisters Dorothy Moore and Frances Young (Jimmy) both of Huntsville, AL, brothers Gary Bentley (Jan) of Hazel Green, AL, Dean Bentley (Kay) of New Market, AL, Terry Bentley (Louise) of Meridianville, AL, and Don Bentley (Jan) of Fayetteville. Mr. Bentley was preceded in death by a brother Raymond Bentley.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Big Oak Boys Ranch, 5625 Jake Mitz Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35905.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday evening 5-8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Howard was my very first boss when I went to work in NASA/MSFC Payroll Office in June 1966. What an experience! I was young and naive and Howard, Kenneth, and Roy were always pulling pranks on everyone. As one of their pranks they would have someone call the new employees in our building and swear them in. Of course everyone in the office was aware of what was going on except the person being sworn in! I had to get tough to survive.
Howard was a good friend as well as co-worker. He will be truly missed by everyone.
Faye, Wayne, Shaun, and family, my prayers go out to you. May God comfort you in these difficult days ahead.
Howard was a friend as well as a valued member of the Tennessee Automotive Association. He served many years as a member of our Board of Directors. Always ready with a warm smile, firm handshake and solid advice. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. The Bentley family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne, Kathy and family – sorry for your loss – keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
Dear Faye & Family,
Very sorry to hear about your loss of Howard Wayne. He certainly accomplished many things in his life. May God’s love and blessings be with you.
Love,
Vival Travis Gilson
want the family to know that my prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. i pray for Gods wonderful grace to hold and comfort each who grieve . God blees you all
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers for the family
No one could ask for a greater mentor ! You Faye,Wayne,Shawn and Kathy were like my other family. I miss you !
Wayne and Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. You two have been on my mind since Mr Bentley’s passing. I pray that God provides you with the peace and comfort that he is now in a place where his body and spirit are healthy and whole again. God bless you and your family, Sharon.
Howard Wayne and I became good friends and co-workers when I joined NASA in 1962. I left there in 1968, but we continued our distant friendship over the years. He was a great person with lots of confidence, charm and wit. Fay. our hearts and our prayers are with you and your family.
We miss him already. May God Bless you all !
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Howard was unique in every way. Larger than life. If you ever knew him or met him you would never forget him. He will be missed by so many.
Let me start by saying I worked for Howard for 15 years and he never once treated me as an employee he always treated me as a friend. He was a fantastic father,grandfather, husband and friend. I’ll have to say that he will be considered one of the great influences in my life. I love you Howard and I will truly miss you my friend.
Roy Pugh
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Howard Wayne was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Our memories of Howard Wayne will remain in our hearts forever.