Bobby Ray Bentley

Bobby Ray Bentley joined Jesus on February 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Bob was born in Lebanon, Missouri, on February 2, 1941, to Fred King and Clova Lea Bentley. He grew up in a large, loving family in Pharr, Texas and was the third child and eldest son of 8 children. He graduated from P-SJ-A High School in 1959 and married the love of his life, Donna, in 1963. Together, they built a life centered around their children, Corry and Lea, and later their children’s families. They settled and raised their family in Calallen-Corpus Christi, TX. There they found a wonderful community, where family was never far away. They later moved to Victoria, Texas where they spent many happy years. It was during this time in their lives that they enjoyed RVing, traveling, and volunteering for Texas A&M University organizations and the community of Victoria. Professionally, Bob had a successful career spanning over three decades with Tennessee Gas Pipeline and Channel Industries, where he was a District Supervisor until his retirement in 1997. Over the years, when he was not working or attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, he loved traveling, fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, darts, and painting, among other interests.

A philosopher at heart, Bob was a thinker, inventor, and artist. He possessed an astounding gift for detail and a mind geared toward depth, intentionally seeking to understand others' perspectives while sharing his own. He was a man for whom conversation was more than a passive activity; it was the way he connected to the world around him and to those he loved most.

Following the passing of his beloved wife Donna in 2018, Bob remained a steady force for his family. In 2021, he moved to Dripping Springs, Texas, to live near his daughter, Lea, and her children, Chase and Elissa. He poured love and quality time into his daughter and grandchildren. He was deeply honored to be present in these important years of their lives.

In the last years of his life, Bob found companionship, and new love, with longtime friend Joann Stout. Together, they explored the country on bus tours and enjoyed one another’s company making new memories in Lebanon, Missouri.

Bob loved his family, his friends, and most of all, God. He leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, talent, and love, promising he will be waiting at Heaven’s gate with a smile and a warm welcome home.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Donna Bentley; his parents Fred and Clova Bentley; brother Jim Bentley; and siblings-in-law Christa Bentley, Cecil McKee, Jim Phillips, and Dalton Elam.

Bob is survived by his son, Corry Bentley (April) of Allen, TX; daughter, Lea Bentley Castillo of College Station, TX; grandchildren, Brian Bentley (Allyson), Blake Bentley (Kate), Chase Castillo, Elissa Castillo; great-grandchildren Sage, Cooper and Micah Bentley, Brooks and baby Bentley (due August); siblings Peggy McKee, Freda Elam, Nita Phillips, Mary McKeever (Jack), Jack Bentley (Tammy), Clo Ann Kotzur (Robert); sister-in-law Marsha Bentley; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.