March 24, 2013

Gary Michael Bentley

Funeral for Gary Michael Bentley, 66, of Collierville, Tenn. will be Sat., April 6, at 2 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Sat., April 6, from noon-2 p.m.

Mr. Bentley died Sun., March 24, 2013, after a short but valiant struggle against cancer. He was born on Aug. 10, 1946, in Decatur to Buford and Donna Mae Bentley. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1969. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, flying C-141 transport planes. He retired as a major from the Air Force after 20 years of service. He moved to Seattle during his Air Force service and later worked as an electrical engineer while flying for the Air Force Reserves. He also earned an MBA from Seattle University while in Seattle. Mr. Bentley retired as a commercial airline captain after 27 years with Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. He volunteered at the FedEx-St. Jude golf tournament and was an avid traveler, golfer and University of Alabama football fan. Mr. Bentley was a much-loved husband, stepfather, family member and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheila; stepdaughter, Christine Skinner and husband David; stepson, Scott English; nephew, Brian Griffin of Hartselle; and niece, Erin Griffin of Homer, Alaska.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, the Collierville Animal Shelter or to your favorite charity.