Bentley Ray Cornelius

Bentley Ray Cornelius, 62, of Hopkinsville, KY died at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at his residence. Memorial services will be 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the funeral hour. Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Bentley was born in Crossville, TN on October 19, 1962, the son of the late Huel Ray "Sonny" Cornelius and Beverly Ann Bentley Cornelius. Bentley grew up in Hopkinsville. Bentley retired as a manager from the family's Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchises. Bentley was an avid hunter, which led him to establish and operate Silvercreek Outfitters. Bentley is survived by his sisters: Margaret Elizabeth Cornelius of Owensboro, KY and Emmaline Cornelius (Edward) Brandt of Garnet Valley, PA; his niece: Katherine Brandt (Christian) Teeple of Havertown, PA; his nephew: Roger William (Grace) Brandt of Havertown, PA; his great niece: Josie Teeple; and his great nephew: Everett Brandt. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Tim Tebow Foundation for "Night to Shine." To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bentley, please visit our Tree Store.