Bryant Eugene Bentley

Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love never fails. 1st Corinthians 13:4-7

On August 5, 2023, after 52 years on this side, Bryant Eugene Bentley, gained his wings and went home to be with his Heavenly Father to take his final rest. Bryant Eugene Bentley was born October 16, 1970, to Robert E. Bentley and Evelyn Hardy-Garrett.

Bryant accepted Christ as his personal Savior early and fellowshipped with several churches throughout the years. He was a member of Kingdom Life Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Alvernis Johnson. Bryant loved and spoke the Gospel every chance he got. Bryant attended Saginaw High and Arthur Hill High Schools in his senior year, but graduated with the Class of 1989 from Arthur Hill. He also attended Jarvis Christian University. Bryant was an avid sports fan loving all sports, but basketball was his favorite. He was known to have a mean jumper back in the day. Bryant purchased a truck which he was proud of and started his own lawncare business. He was grooming his grandson, Chase, to work alongside him. Bryant loved his family and friends, especially his mother as her only child; they shared an unbreakable bond. He recently reconnected with his father, Robert, which brought him joy and closure. Bryant was loving, caring, and supportive and always knew the right words to say when giving encouragement and showing love to those around him. He was affectionately called “B” or by his whole name, Bryant Bentley, or his favorite, “Paw Paw.” Bryant was unique and had a style like no other. He would take a thrift store find and turn it into something magazine worthy. He was funny always having a long story to tell (no shortcuts). Bryant was a beacon of hope and love. His legacy of love will continue to live on through all those who knew him.

Bryant leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Evelyn Hardy-Garrett and Robert Bentley; children, Champaigne Madison, Bryant Bentley II, La’Quentis Madison, La’Marcus Morris, Anthony Welby, Jalen Bentley, Braxton Bentley, and Trevor Harris; grandchildren, Kobe Madison, Chaniya Madison, Jordyn Madison, Chase Amos, Xavier Laury, Jr., Kai’Den Laury, La’Quentis Madison Jr., Jaida Madison, Tristian and Christian Turner, Ja’Nylah Lee, Dehonest Davenport, Journee Morris, Amari Welby, Janiya Bentley, Jaidyn Bentley, and Harmoni Bentley; siblings, Shonda Wells, Bertrell Wells, Eric Wells, Shaquita White, Quintoria Johnson, Charles (Kellee) Garrett, Davario (Brandy) Garrett, and Marcus (Erica) Garrett; aunts, Maple (Gregory) Millen, Regina Mack, Debra Allen, Kimberly Curry, Richele Hardy, Beatrice Hardy, and Connie Bentley; uncles, B.L. Little, Eddie Lee Hardy, Johnathan (Cheryl) Hardy, Steven Hardy, Mark Hardy, Jimmy (Jackie) Bentley, Clifford Allen and Chason Houze; extended family, Adonis, Ryan, and Gevonne' Johnson, Duncan, Clayton, Erwin, Swift, Balls, Little, Hatter, Helton and Troutman families, and many more; special relatives and friends, Antwaine Pippins, Eugenia Adams, Ronald Duncan, Jimmie Bentley, Jr., David Mack, Teresa Martin, LaMott Simpson, and many more.

Bryant was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eddie and Lula Mae Hardy, Early Bentley, and Matric Harris; aunts, Lucy Robertson, Kay, Jeanette and Rubiestine Hardy, and Earline Allen; uncles, Roy Lee Hardy, Curtis “Pop” Hardy, Eddie Hardy Jr., and Floyd Robertson; stepfather, Charles Garrett; godmother, Betty Holiday; and childhood friend Cedric Addison.