DR. GERALD BENTLEY

Dr. Gerald Bentley Another Soldier Taken in the Fight Against ALS In May 2007, Dr. Gerald D. Bentley began the fight of his life when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Nourishment to the body’s muscles decreases over time and causes them to waste away. Voluntary motor actions diminish and eventually the patient may lose the ability to eat, speak, move and breathe. This is what happened to Dr. Bentley. Although his body was attacked with this debilitating disorder, it was not able to take his fighting spirit and belief that God is still in control. He used what most people saw as a tragedy to build up others and provide encouragement to all that encountered him. Dr. Bentley was a native of Memphis, TN. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry and Biology with a minor Psychology in the Spring of 1996 from Tennessee Technological University. While there he earned several accolades on and off the football field including four letters, the honor of Team Captain, Tennessee Technological University’s Man of the Year, First Team Ohio Valley Conference, and Honorable Mention All-American. Upon graduating, he entered the University of Tennessee at Memphis School of Pharmacy in the fall of 1998. There he earned a pharmacy degree with a concentration in Nuclear Pharmacy in 2002, Nuclear Pharmacy Certification, and both Immunization and Asthma Certifications. While attending Tennessee Technological University, Dr. Bentley joined Omega Psi Phi fraternity in the Fall of 1993. He served as Basileus of the Chi Lambda chapter in 1995 and 1996. Dr. Bentley became an active financial member of Epsilon Phi graduate chapter where he served in many leadership positions. Until ALS made its mark in Dr. Bentley’s life, he was the Pharmacy Manager of a thriving 24-hour Walgreens Pharmacy. During his tenure with Walgreens, he managed several stores in the greater Memphis area and became certified in Compounding Medications. He used this certification to train other Walgreens pharmacists in the surrounding area. Dr. Bentley’s journey was not just about the disease and the impact on his life. It was about the impact he had on the lives he touched. It was about the lessons of courage he showed by never complaining and showing compassion to anyone in his presence. It was his persistence and genuine questioning of how everyone else is feeling when he was full of pain. His sense of humor was like a healing spirit to anyone who encountered him. No one could meet Gerald Bentley and leave the way they came. His physical heart was described by medical professionals as strong but little did they know how much more his heart had to offer. ALS took this soldier, but the fight is still on. To honor the legacy of Dr. Gerald Bentley, others who have lost their fight and those still fighting, please consider making a donation to the ALS Association. We must continue to fight for them and we will win! Gerald leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Tomika, two daughters, Qiera and Keilani; and parents: Earnice and John Love. . Visitation will be Saturday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Superior Funeral Home, 460 E. McLemore. Funeral Services are Sunday at 2 p.m. at Brown Baptist Church, 980 Stateline Rd, Southaven, MS. www. SuperiorFuneralHome.com Superior Funeral Home (901)323-7898