Dr. David Harford Bentley, Jr
Dr. David Harford Bentley, Jr. of Opelika passed away Monday, December 3, 2018 at Bethany House in Auburn. He was 93.
Dr. Bentley was born on November 1, 1925 in Shelby County, Alabama. He was a graduate of Shelby County High School. Bentley was a veteran of World War II serving in the 16th Armored Division of the United States Army. Upon completion of his military service, he attended the University of Alabama, graduated from Howard College (Samford University), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received his Doctorate of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Bentley served the Lord as a Baptist minister for 40 years. His pastorates included Shoal Creek, Holtville Riverside, First Baptist Columbia, First Baptist Shawmut, and First Baptist Tallassee. He lived in Opelika upon is retirement and served as interim pastor in 24 churches throughout East Alabama. In 1991, Samford University honored him as Retired Minister of the Year.
In addition to his pastoral career, Dr. Bentley was active in the Ministerial Alliance and served on various committees affiliated with the State Baptist Executive Board. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Samford University, and was also a past president of Tallassee Rotary Club.
Dr. Bentley was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jo Marion. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Ann Lindsey and her husband Danny Lindsey; grandson Daniel Matthew Lindsey (Brittany Freeman); granddaughter Rebecca Lindsey Pigg (Trevor Pigg); his brother Robert Bentley; and other relatives and many friends.
The family expresses their gratitude to the healthcare givers at Oak Park Nursing Home, East Alabama Medical Center, and The Bethany House for the compassionate care they provided and the loyal friends who were faithful with their visits, support, and prayers.
Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church of Opelika, Alabama on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation was held prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church of Opelika Building Fund (P.O. Box 329 Opelika, Alabama 36803).
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.