PALLBEARERS Ross Bridgewaater Jackson Kelley Benson Suber Issac McDonald Edward D. Matthison William Suber, Sr.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS Michael Bridgewater Thurman Bentley Jason Reed James D. Reed Phillip Suber Marshall Suber

COVER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Bentley family would like to acknowledge all of the condolences extended to them during this time. Every visit, phone call, card and act of kindness has been received with grateful hearts and sincere appreciation. May God Bless You All.

Obituary
February 06, 1942 - March 15, 2012 To the world, Thomas C. Bentley was the highly respected father who took care of 12 children, became a mentor to countless others and always had words of advice for anyone asking. Thomass tireless efforts as a general contractor produced some of the finest homes Stuart County has ever seen. And while he was known to lavish gifts on loved ones, Thomas also used his resources to help others who needed help paying the rent, buying milk for a sick baby or for school clothes and supplies other children needed more than his own. On the morning of March 15, 2012, Thomas C. Bentley, born February 06, 1942, closed his eyes for the last time. And while he is no longer with us in physical form, it is not an entirely sad occasion because everyone who knew him understood his conviction and purpose. Thomas lived so that others might have a better life. Whether it was his dedication to little league football or his single-minded determination in making sure his children had the same opportunities as anyone else.

P H O T O

R E F L E C T I O N S

Thomas was a hero. I remember my husband as a giver who was always concerned about anyone other than himself, said wife Susan. For instance, few know that it was Thomas who gave the seed money to establish a barbers school for recently released prisoners and drug addicts. Because he was a builder, hed often hire high school dropouts and convicted felons who often had little to no experience in the ways of masonry, his wife said. Thomas would take those young men and mold them into tradesmen, so that they too could find a purpose in life, she said. While he spent much of his life helping those outside his immediate family, Thomas never forgot to mentor his own sons and daughters Thomas, Jr., Allen, Sheila, William, Michelle, Michael, Jonathan, Wilber, Matthew, Nathaniel, Carmenlita and Joseph who all went on to become successful in a variety of businesses and professions. He also saved just enough of himself to be a thoughtful grandfather to 17 grandchildren. My father was in a league all his own, said daughter Carmenlita Williams. He taught my son to believe in himself and he taught me to reach for whatever my heart desired. Thomas leaves his wife and faithful companion Susan to carry on his legacy, along with one sister Etta Mae Suber of Potomac, Maryland..

O B I T U A R Y

Poem of Comfort
Miss Me But Let Me Go

Order of Service
O R Old Testament Reading.....................................................Mrs. Theresa Bentley D New Testament Reading........................................................Ms. Wilma Bentley E Prayer.......................................................................................Rev. Peter Snyder R Musical Selection Expressions O Mr. Lou Franklin (Friend) F Mr. Thomas Suber (Brother-in-Law) Mrs. Etta Mae Suber (Sister) S Special Reflections E Mr. Thomas Bentley, Jr. (Son) and Thomas Bentley, III (Grandson)

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head held low. Remember the love that we shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone. Its all a part of the Masters plan, a step on the road to home.

R Musical Selection V Sermon/Eulogy........................................Dr. Edward Howard, Sr. Senior Pastor I Recessional C E INTERNMENT Houston Memorial Gardens 2426 Cullen Blvd (FM 865) Selma, TX 77028 REPAST Full Grace Church 2700 West Arrow Bend Rd. Cibolo, TX 77026