Kelley Abraham Bentley

Kelley Abraham Bentley, age 99, of Stallings, North Carolina passed away peacefully Sunday, March 08, 2026, at Pruitt Health Union Pointe, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and devotion to others. He was born on January 07, 1927, in Norton, Virginia to parents John Bentley and Lilie Fields Bentley; both preceded him in death.

At just 18 years old, he met the love of his life, Sarah, in a floral shop. That chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story, and the two were soon married, beginning a journey together that would shape the rest of his life. In 1945, Kelley answered the call to serve his country by entering the military, a WWII Army Veteran. After his service, he returned home with the same determination that would guide him throughout his life. With his own hands and unwavering work ethic, he built his first home himself, an early testament to the hardworking and capable man he was.

Kelley later went on to work for General Motors, where he spent many years providing for his family. Though he worked hard, his heart was always focused on helping others. For 26 years, Kelley faithfully served at City Missions, quietly giving his time and care to those in need.

He was known by all who loved him as a calm and patient man. Those closest to him often said they had never once heard him raise his voice. He believed in steady kindness rather than loud words, and his gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Kelley experienced deep love and deep loss. In 2001, he lost his beloved wife Sarah, the woman who had been his partner and greatest companion for so many years. Though her passing left an emptiness in his heart, the love they shared remained a guiding light in his life.

A man of simple joys, Kelley was an avid coin collector, finding fascination in the history and stories each coin carried. While he was a man of few words (especially on the telephone) he had a remarkable gift for storytelling. When Kelley spoke, people listened, because his stories were full of wisdom, humor, and the experiences of a life well-lived.

Above all, Kelley will be remembered as a man who helped anyone who asked, worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and lived quietly with integrity. His life reminds us that greatness is often found not in loud moments, but in steady acts of kindness and devotion.

Kelley Abraham Bentley leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and gentle strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory is his son Michael Bentley (Linda), grandson Curt Bentley, grandson Michael Jonathan Bentley (Monica), granddaughter Michele Badalamenti (Mark) and great-grandchildren Brooke Badalamenti and Blake Badalamenti. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Kelley is preceded in death by Eleven siblings and son Kelley Wayne Bentley.

Kelley’s Funeral Service will be held at Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45429, on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45409, on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 12:15 pm.