William Franklin Bentley

William Franklin Bentley, 83, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026. He was born on January 11, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama.

William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God. He married the love of his life, Barbara Kaye Jones Bentley, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, love, and family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years, earning the rank of Airman First Class (A1C). After his military service, William began a long career with State Farm, where he faithfully worked for 43 years before retiring. While working and raising a family, he also attended Northeast Louisiana University, now known as ULM, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

William was a man who loved deeply and lived simply. He enjoyed taking care of his yard, doing wood work, cheering on Alabama football with a loud “Roll Tide,” and supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks with an enthusiastic “Woo Pig.” But above all else, William was a man of faith.

He faithfully served the Lord as a deacon and choir member and was a dedicated member of Sherwood First Baptist Church. His faith guided the way he lived his life, loved his family, and treated others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Pershing Bentley and Martha Carr Bentley; and his sister, Jackie Elaine Barber.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Bentley; his children, Dennise Scott (Stephen), Derek Bentley, and Renee Bentley (Chad Reinier); grandchildren, Lanni Rand, Leslie Gamkong, and Katarina Bentley; and great-grandchildren, Jayden and Kyrie Gamkong, and Emery and Enzo Rand.

The family will receive friends Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026 beginning at 10:30 AM at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, followed by interment at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery beginning at 12:00 PM.

William will be remembered for his steady faith, his dedication to his family, his hard work, and the kindness and love he showed throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.