Thomas “Tom” Edward Bentley, 79, of Valdese, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Westwood Hills Nursing Center following a period of declining health.
Tom was born on April 8, 1943 in Caldwell County to the late Roy S. Bentley and Nina Kaylor Herman. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Benny Bentley, Jerry W. Bentley, and Jimmy Bentley.
Tom never met a stranger and was always wanting to share Jesus with everyone he met. He was a faithful servant of Jesus and had an incredible love of laughter. He was a proud father of two wonderful sons, and was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tom was employed at Valdese General Hospital for over 25 years, and retired from Frye Regional South Campus after 7 years. He served 3 months in Ghana (West Africa) with the International Mission Board and Pastored 3 churches in Burke County.
Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Muriel Bentley of the home; two sons, Jerry (Barbara) Bentley of Durham, N.C., and Tim (Missy) Bentley of Valdese; eight grandchildren, Travis (Kristi) Bentley, Josh (Katie) Bentley, Barbara (Jeff) Carter, Aaron Bentley, Morgan (Hunter) Price, Jennifer (Tommy) Sutton, Tiffany (John) Altschul, and Colton (Mallory) Bentley; also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Kenneth (Rosemary) Bentley and Betty (Ronnie) Cornette; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday December 11, 2022 in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with his sons Rev. Jerry Bentley and Rev. Tim Bentley officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00-3:00 P.M., one hour prior to the service at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
To live stream the service, go to the Wellness Church Facebook page and press “like”.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Mission Board at IMB.org/give or your favorite mission agency.
This is the first Home going in quite a long time that instantly brought a smile to my face. With my limited knowledge, I’ve thought all day long about the joyous celebration there has been in Heaven today.
I have never personally known anyone that loved sharing Jesus, talking about Jesus and praying for, and with others, as much as Tom Bentley did. I am so honored to have known him and worshiped with him.
So sad to hear of your loss. Y’all are in my prayers.
*Romans 14:7-8 CSB — For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.*
*TRIBUTE BY REV. CHRIS TEKPO AND NEW COVENANT BAPTIST FAMILY IN HONOR OF TOM BENTLEY*
Papa Tom as I affectionately called him, was a down-to-earth man, kind, loving and with a zeal to serve our Father.
Our paths crossed as a result of the passion and love he had for God and the vision and mission we share to transform lives through the word of God.
I found a father figure in him. One who was willing to guide me through the path of Christian growth.
Our relationship metamorphosed from a father-son relationship to a friend and an encourager in the faith.
Countless times, he counselled me on the path to take and the decisions I needed to make. He was a missionary with a difference and his relationship with the New Covenant Baptist Family in Accra, Ghana was a cordial and beautiful one.
I remember the times of bonding we had back then in the Baptist House Mission home.
As the manager then, he championed the course of Christian growth fellowship by engaging in home-to-home visitation and soul-winning. One we did with joy and pride.
Papa Tom was a gallant soldier of Christ in the faith
It’s been over 26 years of friendship and mentorship. Even after Papa Tom left the shores of Africa he never forgot about us His family. There were times he would call and we will sing his favourite songs and hymns together. His favourite was *He is lord* . We know that whenever this song is lifted Papa Tom will beam with smiles and rejoice with us.
He was a great support to the family and ministry at large. Doing his best one way or the other to help out wherever and whenever he can.
The impacts he made are long-lasting and forever will we keep the fond memories we shared in our hearts.
We know his memories will live on till our maker calls.
Our hearts go out to you Mama Muriel. We pray the Joy of the Lord be your strength.
The Tekpo family and New Covenant Baptist Church family love you Papa Tom but God loves you more.
Keep resting in His bosom till we meet again.
Such a beautiful life spent for Jesus. We grieve his passing but not like those without hope! Prayers and love from Kristina and Kevin Buss
To Muriel, Jerry,Tim and family sorry to hear about Tom i know he will be missed I’ve know Tom since school days Gamewell in the 1950s. never know anything bad about him God bless all the family. Lonnie & Reba Pope
I met Tom when he was getting out of the heating and air conditioning business. I purchased all of his equipment and tools. Then I asked if he would be willing to work with me some. After a couple weeks he said that he had prayed about it and accepted my offer. Five years later we were still working together. I can tell you this about my great friend he was a beautiful human being. He loved people. He prayed for people. But most importantly he loved God and his family. He is the reason for my success today. I love you brother. Until I see your smiling face again.
Dear Muriel, Jerry, Tim and families. I am sorry for the loss of Tom. I knew him to be a wonderful example of a true Christian. My husband (Harold) and I worked together with Tom and Muriel to chaperon the youth from Mtn. Grove Church. I am sure he and Harold are rejoicing as they greeted each other at home with Jesus. May God bless and comfort you now and in days later as you remember Tom. Rachel Earley
Dear Family, I did not know Tom; but I am Muriel’s cousin and we communicated with one another via Messenger. We prayed for one another and our loved ones. Through her, I was able to know Tom and the strong faith he and his family share. He has left a legacy his family can be proud of. He has victory in Jesus. Love and prayers to you all.
Tom was so loved by so many. He will be missed here but wow. What a joy to know he is with his Jesus and brothers who have been waiting for him . I am sure he was met by them and they will be fusing soon. Love and prayers to all the family.
Muriel and family I am sorry for your loss but I am glad he is at his Heavenly Home with his Lord and Savior and TOMS sons . I loved Tom more like a brother than a cousin . We are Brothers in CHRIST. Rest In Peace Brother in Christ and we will meet again when The Lord takes me HOME
I love you Muriel and God’s Blessings be with you now and forever