James Charles Bentley

James Charles Bentley, a devoted servant of God, a faithful family man, and a proud American, was called home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Charles was born in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where he attended Fleming-Neon High School before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where he graduated from Woodlawn High School. After school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a member of the launch crew on the USS Saratoga and a firefighter—roles that reflected his lifelong commitment to duty and service. For 62 years, he was a steadfast member of the Baptist church, including Kinney Grove Baptist, New Castle Baptist, FBC Gardendale and Enon Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon. In 2024, he was honored as Deacon Emeritus—a title that reflected his decades of spiritual leadership and humble service. He ushered his children to Jesus from birth, and they had the honor of ushering him into Heaven together. He loved Kentucky basketball, Auburn football, and a good game of cards. A deck of cards will accompany him in his casket, a small tribute to the joy he found in simple pleasures and time spent with loved ones. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Piede and nurse Karen at Alabama Oncology, the Palliative Care team at St. Vincent’s UAB—especially nurses Jennifer, Kaitlyn, and Emma Jo—and Compassus Hospice, who helped make his final days peaceful and full of love. Charles was a devoted husband, father, and joyfully known as Papa to his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, James Clyde “Monk” Bentley, his mother, Ruby Inez Williams Lankford, step-mother Thelma Bentley Bays, brother William Rowe ‘Bill’ and Glenda Bentley, Ray and Geneva McCarn, Garland and Charlotte McCarn, Walter Hall, and Rook partners for life, Dewey and Janice Cato. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Willodean McCarn Bentley, sister Mabel Faye Bentley Carroll (Lee), children Paula Bentley Vickers (Chip), Charles Patrick “Pat” Bentley (Cindy), Pamela Bentley Tidwell (David), grandchildren Rodney Jones, Whitney Hand (Brandon), Josh Jones (Emily), David-Jordan Tidwell (Ellie), Matthew Walk (Kelsey), Dallas Tidwell (Sarah), Colton Vickers (Shelbi), Victoria Westbrook (Stephen), Hannah Bentley, Luke Bentley, Phillip Bentley, Noah Jones, and great-grandchildren Rylee Jo Walk, Aaron Marshall “Bo” Walk, Micah Hand, Charles David “Charlie” Tidwell, Nathan Hand, Lucy Westbrook, Caleb “Cal” Walk, George Jones and Grace Tidwell. Other close family include Connie Adkins, Jewel Hall, Faye McMillan, Chester and Denice McCarn, and Melba Chandler. Services to honor Charles life will be held at Enon Baptist Church on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 12:30 pm. The family will receive guests from 11am – 12:30 pm. Burial with military honors will be at Oakwood Memorial Cemetery. Rev. Zac Reno will officiate.

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James Charles Bentley

August 21, 1939 - June 12, 2025