ROY MARTIN “BILL” BENTLEY,

89, died peacefully Sunday morning September 12, 2021. He was surrounded by family as he ascended into Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Jo; his parents, Marion Martin and Annie Wood Bentley.

Bill is survived by two sons; Steve (Rhonda) and Mark (Kathy) Bentley both of North Little Rock; sister, Joyce Fortenbury of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Justin (Hannah) Bentley, Mary Katherine (Jarius) Wright, Kevin Bentley, Joanna (Eric) Reinhardt, Eric (Kaylie) Bentley and four great-grandchildren.

Bill graduated from North Little Rock High in 1949 where he served as his senior class president. He entered Little Rock JC the following year, playing in and winning the 1949 Junior Rose Bowl National Championship. He and his teammates were later inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Bill proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. After the war, Bill came home and entered the grocery business in his hometown. He enjoyed a wonderful career serving as president and owner of Arch Haltom Food Brokers and United Brokerage Company. Bill was on the board of the National Food Brokers Association and was beloved by his local clients, Affiliated Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and Rand’s Wholesale.

After retirement, Bill and Mary Jo traveled extensively and spent many hours “beach combing” in Destin, Florida. They were active members of the Park Hill Baptist Church and adored their roles as Nana and Pops BB. In his final years, Bill ended virtually every conversation with “tell everybody I love them.” The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Corene, Brenda, and Joy along with Monica and all the staff at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab.

An informal visitation/celebration will be held Thursday, September 16th, from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Lake #3 pavilion. A private burial, officiated by Rev. Ken Shaddox, will take place earlier in the day at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 E. C Street, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Please visit www.SmithFamilyCares.com/sherwood for online guestbook.