Melvin Lee Bentley

Melvin Lee Bentley, 87, passed away on January 17, 2026. He was born in Cedarville, AR, on January 6, 1939, to Alfred and Violet Bentley.

Melvin married the love of his life, Ruby, on February 8, 1974, and spent 42 wonderful years together.

Melvin was a proud Army veteran who served in the National Guard as a Private First Class.

Melvin was friendly, outgoing, and caring. He enjoyed meeting new people and loved hearing their stories. Melvin was also a hard worker who spent many years cutting timber and retired from Simmons after 32 years working as a pet food manager.

During his free time, Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, tending to his roses, and watching the Razorbacks play. But above all, Melvin loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby Ann Burgess Bentley; parents, Alfred S. Bentley and Violet Viola Nelson Bentley; sons, Larry Ross and Melvin Eugene Bentley; brothers, George Bentley, Bill Bentley, Orvil Bentley, Alfred Bentley, and Charlie Bentley; and sisters, Nancy Ragan, Ruby Crabtree, and Elizabeth Bentley.

He is survived by his son, Timothy Michael Bentley and wife Gypsy of Kansas, OK; brother, Wesley Beachamp and wife Pam of Colcord, OK; daughter-in-law, Debbie Bentley of Van Buren, AR; as well as 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Wasson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will follow the visitation, starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Springtown Cemetery.