Arthur "Don" Bentley USAR, Capt. Ret.

U.S. Army Capt. (Ret.) Arthur Donald Bentley, 85, of North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Don was born on August 12, 1940, in Anniston, Alabama to the late, Arthur Ernest Bentley and Claudia Bell (Hopper) Bentley. Don lived a life marked by service, devotion, and unwavering patriotism. A proud soldier, a loving family man, and a true Southern gentleman, he leaves behind a legacy of courage and heart.

Don married the love of his life, Donna Bentley, on April 3, 1963, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Together they shared 62 years of companionship, adventure, and devotion, including traveling across the United States and Canada in their fifth wheel-one of their greatest joys. Besides his wife, Arthur is survived by his daughters, Dawn Christmas of Georgia, Darleen (Luis) Mendoza of North Carolina, and Deanna Bentley of North Carolina; siblings, Wanda (Doyle) McKinney of North Carolina, Sandra Jones of Alabama, Shelia Davidson of Alabama, and Roger Bentley of Alabama; seven grandchildren, Shannon (Shawn) Kleinkauf of Georgia, Joshua Christmas of Georgia, Amber (Chris) Livingston of North Carolina, Arthur (Mandy) Moore of North Carolina, Samson Roberts of Nebraska, Ashley (Steven) Dyches of Wyoming, and Alec (Chelsea) Burdick of North Carolina; nine great-grandchildren, Christopher and Dallas Livingston; Drake & Emilee Moore; Savannah and Zariah Moore; Robert and James Dean Johnson; and Jada Carlisle.

Don enlisted in the United States Army on January 1, 1960, beginning a distinguished 22-year career that embodied honor and sacrifice. Rising to the rank of Captain, he served as a paratrooper and helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart, 25th Award, Expert Badge M-16, 2 O/S Bars, Senior Parachute Badge, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Air Medal 1st Award, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device for his bravery and sacrifice. His service took him around the world, including assignments at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina; Ft. Benning, Georgia; Ft. Sam Houston, Texas; Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Okinawa, Japan; Ft. McClellan, Alabama; Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Landstuhl, Germany; Ft. Stewart, Georgia; and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Among his proudest military associations was his time with the Blue Ghost F-Troop, a brotherhood that held deep meaning for him. Don remained active in their reunions and dedicated himself to supporting his fellow troopers long after his retirement from the Army on September 30, 1981.

A man of many talents and tireless work ethic, Don later owned and operated Phoenix Resources, a landscaping and horticulture business in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and also retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. He loved being outdoors, tending to his land, and enjoyed the sports of reloading and shooting. His Goldwing motorcycle brought him joy and freedom, and he cherished every mile on the open road. He was a proud member of Layton Chapel Baptist Church. Don was happiest surrounded by family-wrestling with grandchildren, sharing stories, and loving each one fiercely. Though humble in nature, he was a mighty warrior at heart, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a man whose respect, strength, and gentleness defined him.

There will be a Celebration of Life followed by full Military Honors for Don on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Layton Chapel Baptist Church beginning at 2:00pm with Pastor John Chancey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in honor of Arthur to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306; Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018; or Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.