Francis Lee "Gus" Bentley

Francis Lee “Gus” Bentley, 58, devoted family member and dedicated friend, passed this life on January 26, 2015. Survivors and family include his brothers, Herbert Howard Bentley, Jr., and Alvin Bentley; sister, Alma Kendall; nieces, Jess Kendall, Kathy Sutton (Ray), Shannon Moore (Shawn), Melissa Hanson; great nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; and special friends. He was predeceased by his father, Herbert Howard (Tody) Bentley, Sr., mother, Mildred Falana Bentley; sister, Lisa Bentley; and sister-in-law Nancy Bentley. After his studies in political science at Florida Junior College and University of North Florida, Lee enjoyed a long career of 38 years as a public servant with the Clay County School Board (9 years) and the City of Green Cove Springs (29 years) in numerous capacities until he recently retired his position as City Clerk on January 6, 2015, due to health related issues. Lee was a true gentleman and scholar who began his role in leadership during his tenure as Student Council President at Clay High School in 1974. Lee Bentley dearly loved his community, was an avid historian who took great pleasure in local history; He was most proud in 2013 as staff liaison for the City of Green Cove Springs Archives Room advisory panel, “We want to tell the story of the past, spotlight the present and look to the future,” Bentley said of the project. He was two-time Chair of the Historical Commission and six-time President of the Clay County Historical Society where in 1993; Lee was instrumental in bringing the Railroad Museum to his hometown. He was also involved in numerous other community organizations, and many lives are greatly enhanced by knowing him. Visitation and memorial service will be held Friday, February 6, 2015, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 310 Oakridge Avenue in Green Cove Springs with Reverend Russell Franklin officiating. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM. Arrangements are in the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 904- 284-4000; please sign the online guest book at www.broadusraines.com. In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to American Cancer Society.