A.J. Bentley , Md

Funeral services for A J Bentley, MD will be held on Tuesday May 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Chapel in Thomasville, Georgia. Rev. Dr. Milton C. Gardner will officiate and a private family interment will follow. Dr. Bentley died on May 27, 2016 in Thomasville. Born November 3, 1936 in Quitman, Georgia, he was the son of the late Henry Earle Bentley, Sr. and Audrey Harris Bentley. He was a direct descendant of one of the first families of Virginia (FFV). His family immigrated in 1624 as planters, prior to the formation of Jamestown, Virginia. His ancestors served in the House of Burgess and in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. His ancestors also were a part of founding the Georgia Order of Cincinnati, having served directly under George Washington as a Captain in the Continental Army. Dr. Bentley attended Gordon Military College on an athletic scholarship playing both football and baseball. He graduated from Valdosta State College and subsequently graduated of The Medical College of Georgia in 1964. He completed his internship and surgical residency at Duval Medical Center and his ENT Residency at Emory University where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Bentley maintained dual licenses in Georgia and Florida. He maintained Board Certification and Fellowship status in AAOA, Allergy and Immunization and in Facial Reconstruction and Facial Plastic Surgery through the American College of Surgeons. After being hand selected by Dr. Charlie Watt and Dr. Huddie Cheney, he began his practice in Thomasville in 1971. Dr. Bentley had a great bedside manner, helping those in need. He was known for making occasional house calls. He was a mentor to local people who wanted to go to medical school. Hard work and integrity were characteristics that he greatly valued. Dr. Bentley served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was a Navy surgeon and a Vietnam veteran. He was a champion skeet shooter for the Axa US Pacific Fleet Team. Dr. Bentley was an avid conservationist and an antique art collector. He was a crack shot and avid fisherman. He loved movies, especially action movies. An avid reader, he was a loyal supporter of the Thomas County Library. He visited the library every Thursday. Dr. Bentley was a snappy dresser and hand shined his own shoes. He is survived by his sons A. Joel Bentley, Jr and his wife Sue of Thomaston, GA, Brewer P. Bentley of Thomasville and a daughter Cheri Bentley of Atlanta. Also surviving are grandchildren Anne Dallas Bentley and Asher Elizabeth Bentley and a devoted housekeeper Rosa Williams of Thomasville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas County Public Library, 201 North Madison St., Thomasville, Georgia 31792 or to The Medical College of Georgia Foundation, 545 15th St., Augusta, Georgia 30901. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM till service time on Tuesday at the church. Family and friends may sign the online guest registry at www.allenfh.com .