Jerry Bruce Bentley, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and of the Baptist faith. Jerry was a very active member of Lakewood Baptist Church since 1959, where he was the music director for 42 years. He was also a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. Mr. Bentley had a career in education since 1967, serving as a teacher at McBrien Elementary and Spring Creek Elementary. Mr. Bentley was also the principal at Mountain Oaks Elementary and the assistant principal at Brown Middle School. Some of his hobbies included fishing and flying RC airplanes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brooks and Ruby Bentley.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kitty; son, Jerry Bruce (Eva) Bentley, Jr.; daughters, Shirley Bentley, Deborah (Marty) Alderman and Rebecca (Danny) Avans; brother, James David (Catherine) Bentley; grandchildren, Brooks Bentley, Travis Bentley, Andrea Beavers, Austin Alderman, Jonathon Alderman, Elyse Avans and Aaron Avans, nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Randolph (Linda) Sticher and sister-in-law Celesta (Frank) Stapp.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 28, 2019, from 4-8 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home @ Hwy 58. The funeral will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Lakewood Baptist @ 6626 Hunter Rd, Harrison, TN with Pastor David Bragg and Pastor Ronnie Gilbert officiating. Mr. Bentley will be laid to rest in Old McDonald Cemetery.

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