George T. Bentley

George Taylor Bentley – devoted husband, proud father, and obsessed grandfather – passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021, when his heart could no longer keep up with the overabundance of love coming in and out of it. He leaves behind his adoring family including his devoted wife, Sharon; brothers Dwight (Charity) and Mark (Ron); his children Sherri, Rux (Amanda), Carrie, Amy, Casey (Danette), and Rachel (Jason); hogsnoggles (aka grandchildren) Hannah, Madasyn, Maddie, McKlane, Addison, Bentley, Braden, Harper, and Harrison. He has reunited in Heaven with his parents, Leroy and Louise, his son, Tommy, and A LOT of furry little ankle-biters. George was born and raised in Columbiana and never lived anywhere else. He was a proud graduate of Shelby County High School where he played football and never lost a single game. From there, he went on to Auburn University where he studied business…sometimes. Auburn was imprinted on his heart even before he became a student, and it was part of his identity throughout his entire life. He witnessed some of the most legendary games in Auburn history including 51 consecutive Iron Bowls, which, no doubt, took a few years off his life. In 1971, George began his career at Rux Carter Insurance Agency, and over the next 50 years, he was often recognized for his leadership in the insurance industry. His greatest professional accomplishment was building a business that is now led by his sons and will continue to provide for future generations of his family. George and Sharon met in 1985 and blended their families of “his” and “hers” immediately into “ours”. As a husband and a dad, he led by example with honesty, integrity, discipline, and humor…LOTS of humor. He was not a complicated man. His priorities were simple and clear – 1) God; 2) Family; and 3) Auburn – in that order (usually). You didn’t have to look hard to find him – on his lawn mower; in his car going somewhere or nowhere; on a cruise ship with Sharon, Butch, and Diane; in Auburn at a football game, basketball game, baseball game, or any sort of game; or at a blackjack table. Most importantly and without fail his highest priority was to be anywhere anytime cheering loudest and longest for each of his grandchildren at every single game, match, meet, recital, and competition. Nothing on earth made him prouder or gave him more joy than his hogsnoggles. We will never know the true depth and reach of his limitless love and generosity, but we will feel his absence every single day. His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:23 (NIV) Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

George T. Bentley

May 1, 1947 - July 10, 2021