William E. Bentley

AIKEN, SC- William E. "Bill" Bentley, of W. Rollingwood Rd., passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the age of 89.

He was born in Washington, GA on Oct. 19, 1926 to the late Mack A. Bentley Jr. and Minnie Lee Bentley Townes. They moved to Aiken in 1931. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gladys Sheppard Bentley and a younger brother, Mack A. Bentley III.

He graduated from Aiken High School in 1944 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, he worked in two new car dealerships in Aiken for 40 years. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church and the Ed Cushman Sunday School Class. He was a life member of the Aiken Masonic Lodge # 156, York Rite, and a Jamil Shriner. He was also a member of Aiken Post 26 American Legion. His lifetime hobby was music and he played guitar for many years.

He is survived by a son, Bill Bentley Jr. (Patty), Windsor, SC and a daughter, Susan B. Eaton (Tim), Charlotte, NC; 5 grandchildren; and extended family.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM in Aiken Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Fred W. Andrea III officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3157, Aiken, SC 29802.

The family would like to thank Michelle Thompson for her care to "Paw Paw."

Visitation will be this Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234).