BATESVILLE — George Edward Bentz, Sr.,

94, of Batesville, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, August 30, 2020. He was born December 2, 1925 in Batesville, Ark., to Lillie Mae (Holland) Bentz. George was drafted into the United States Navy during his senior year of high school and served during World War II; after serving he was honorably discharged and returned home to graduate from Batesville High School in 1947. He attended Arkansas College, and played on their first football team. He was instrumental in bringing the Porter train from Limedale to Riverside Park in 1964 and oversaw the maintenance of the train to this day. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville; served as chairman of Batesville City Cemetery Committee and served on the Housing Authority board; he was also president of Batesville Jaycees for several years.

He retired from Arkansas Power and Light in 1988 after 41 years of dedicated service. He was named King White River in 2000; and was a Mason for 50+ years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he raised bird dogs, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Geraldine (White) Bentz of the home; son, George Edward Bentz, Jr., of Batesville; two grandchildren, Brooke Bentz Stevenson (Marty) and Grant Pierce Bentz; one great-grandchild, Caroline Lilly Stevenson; as well as other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Pallbearers are Dan Foley, Tommy Foley, Tommy Holland, Rick Elumbaugh. Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Bentz, Marty Stevenson, Joe Foley, Skip Rutherford, Dr. Robert “Lit” Craig and Tim Dozier. Graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2020, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Dennis Wilson officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2020, at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering and social distancing will be observed. www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville