Henry G. Bentley Jr.

Henry G. Bentley Jr., 83 of Bristol, CT, husband of Taffie Ann (Walker) Bentley, passed peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, in Bristol. Henry was born on August 25, 1940, in Vidalia, Georgia, and was the son of the late Henry G. Bentley Sr. and Willa (Horne) Bentley.

He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force and he was a member of the Redeemer’s AME Zion Church in Plainville. Henry graduated from Dickerson Training High School in Vidalia. He was employed by Don Caster (New England Aircraft) before his retirement in 2005. He was an avid golfer who loved to golf in many tournaments, including TPC in Cromwell. Many trophies were won from the time he spent on the Green and Fairways. He also enjoyed fishing, playing his saxophone and making CDs to share with family and friends.

Henry was a member of the Sam Kimble’s Band for 30 years; he joined the band back in 1960. Years after leaving Sam Kimble, Henry joined Nzinga’s Daughter in 1996 and continued to play with them until he was unable to play.

In addition to his wife, Henry is also survived by his children: his daughter, Stephanie (Damon) Esposito; his sons, Damian (Rhianna) and Paul (Erica) Bentley, all of Bristol, CT; his eight grandchildren: Dario (Lauren), Dandre (Lindsay), Donte (Madline) Esposito, Dante Woods, Deqwon, Devondre, Anayah and Aria Bentley; his three great grandchildren: Donavan, Christian, and Xander; his five brothers: James, John, George, Julius, and Bill Bentley; and his three sisters: Rheta Jenkins, Barbara Sneed, and Cynthia Yerokum. Henry was predeceased by his two brothers, Frank and Walter Earl Bentley.

Family and friends are welcome to gather in celebration of Henry’s life on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville from 10 AM to 12 PM. A prayer service and words of remembrance will be shared at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. In honor of Henry’s service to our country in the U.S. Air Force, full military honors will be accorded following the funeral service. Burial will be held privately at a later date. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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