Former Alabama Baptist pastor dies at 93
David Harford Bentley Jr. of Opelika, veteran and retired Alabama Baptist pastor, died Dec. 3. He was 93.
Bentley was a veteran of World War II. He held degrees from Howard College (now Samford University in Birmingham) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and received his doctor of ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bentley served as a pastor for 40 years. His pastorates included Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatville; First Baptist Church, Columbia; First Baptist Church, Shawmut; and First Baptist Church, Tallassee.
He lived in Opelika upon his retirement and served as interim pastor in 24 churches throughout East Alabama.
In 1991, Samford University honored him as Retired Minister of the Year.
In addition to his pastoral career, Bentley was active in the Ministerial Alliance and served on various committees affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Samford University and was a past president of Tallassee Rotary Club.
Bentley was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jo Marion. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah; and two grandchildren. (TAB)
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