Malcolm Moore Bentley

Malcolm Moore Bentley, 81 years old, of Atlanta, Georgia joined his heavenly father on March 26, 2024. Born on December 8, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia, Malcolm was the third child of William Reid Bentley and Rachel Moore Bentley. He joins his parents and older brother, William Reid (Billy) Bentley Jr. and sister, Nancy Bentley Lewee in heaven.

A native of Atlanta in the truest sense, the Bentley family settled here when it was once called Marthasville. Malcolm grew up on 3700 Peachtree Road, the northern end of the then dirt road in an area known as Buckhead. He grew up attending R.L. Hope Elementary School and North Fulton High School with many childhood friends. He was one of the original Buckhead Boys. They notoriously frequented places such as The Varsity where two chili dogs cost 15 cents, the Seven Steers, the Pool Hall and 5 Paces Inn on Irby Street. He grew up attending Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and later worshipped at the Church of the Apostles. The Bentley tradition steeped in the rich history of Georgia football started with his father affectionately known as Buckhead Bill, an attorney by week and a SEC football official by game day.

In keeping with tradition, Malcolm attended University of Georgia where he proudly pledged Chi Phi fraternity and many of his Chi Phi brothers became his best friends for life! While attending the University, Malcolm met Sarah (Sally) Ellen Brock of Gainesville, Georgia and they married on July 3, 1965. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Malcolm, Kathy and Amanda. He had a 30 year distinguished career in the machine tool industry with Pittard Machinery where he was honored by his peers. Every year, Malcolm and his family counted down the days for their annual trip with the “gang” to Port Royal Plantation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. For 17 years in a row this tradition continued with three other families, the Moores, the Jones and the Luckeys. The gang became one big family and we still feel that way today.

His passions for birds, fishing, hunting, the outdoors and all things animal were evident in the way he spent his life. He especially enjoyed life along the coast of Georgia hunting and fishing. Malcolm's home away from home, Deep Wood Lodge in Canada, was where he found his special place that personified his love of nature.

Most notably, Malcolm was known by all as a man of exemplary character and integrity. At heart, he was one of the sweetest, kindest people the state ever produced. Never did he have an enemy, nor harbored a negative feeling against anyone. He was a man of few words, witty and oh so funny! Maybe the best way to describe his unique humor would be as he once quoted “I’m quick on the draw”. When appropriate, he could transition from a super silly glib teenager to the most thoughtful person one could have ever known. In Tolkien's world, Malcolm would have been chosen as the Ring-bearer - You could count on him to do the right thing!

Malcolm is survived by his wife, Sarah Ellen Brock Bentley, his three children, Malcolm Moore Bentley Jr. (Leigh McAllister Bentley), Kathryn Ellen Bentley Drury (Chip Drury), and Amanda Rachel Bentley Hill (Charles Eugene Hill), as well as his eleven grandchildren: Blayne Wade Gibson Bentley, Anderson Lee Gibson Bentley, Malcolm (Shug) Moore Bentley III, Thomas Reid Bentley, Kathryn Rachel Drury, William Morris Drury, Margaret Bentley Drury, Samuel Adams Drury, Hannah Ellen Hill, Sarah Madelyn Hill, and Mary Kathryn Hill. Furthermore, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Myrna Jean Bentley, his two nephews, Reid and Clifton Bentley, and his brother-in-law, Major Glenn Brock III.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 7th, at H.M. Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jon Wallace. Reception immediately following the service. A private burial at Arlington Memorial Park will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of the Apostles in Atlanta and Wounded Warrior Project.