On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Wakefield Bentley departed this earth and took his heavenly journey toward home.
Wakefield was born November 11, 1932. He grew up in Alexander County and graduated from Taylorsville High School. In 1953 he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Sergeant to the S Company 53rd Infantry 101st Airborne Division, which served at Mt. Fuji Yama, Japan Army Base. He received the following medals: Army Good Conduct, National Defense and the Korean War Medal and many more through his acts of duty.
After his military service he began his 43-year career with Southern Bell, later becoming AT&T at his retirement. Wakefield started Hallmark Electric after receiving the N.C. State Board of Electrical Contractor license, then later obtaining his unlimited electrical license. He held these licenses until his passing.
In 1959 he married his brown-eyed beauty Hilda, whom he faithfully adored for more than 63 years. Together they raised their five children.
Wakefield was a charter member of Forest Park Presbyterian Church, where he served as a faithful member serving in many capacities. He also helped start the scout program, establishing Troop 171, where many young men aspired to earn their Eagle Scout under his leadership.
Wakefield was always happiest when his loved ones were close by.
Wakefield was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Edith Bentley; daughter Dana Bentley, brothers Bill Bentley (Carolyn) and Tommy Bentley (Marie); brother-in-law Haskell Sells; and daughter-in-law Kim Taylor Gallyon.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Hilda Sells Bentley; Chuck Gallyon (Tracey), Dean Bentley (Lynn), Beth Bentley Davidson (Michael) and Blue Bentley (Wendy); and grandchildren, Chad Gallyon, Matthew Gallyon (Jodi), Logan Hartness, Tanner Bentley, Taylor Gallyon, Faith Bentley, Tate Bentley, Anna Blue Bentley, and Brenna Rae Bentley; and great grandchildren Chase, Haven, Evan, Addison and Bella. One sister, Mary Freimais (Andris), and one sister-in-law, Jo Sells, also survivie, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude towards all of the families, friends and communities that prayed, supported and uplifted our family. A special thanks to Gordon Hospice House will never be enough for the care of our father during his stay there.
With the current restrictions on large gatherings, we want to be respectful of our families and yours. We will postpone the celebration of life to a later date.
May you all be blessed with the inheritance of Wakefield’s life.
In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be made to Forest Park Presbyterian Church, along with Gordon Hospice House. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.
Troutman funeral home will be serving the Bentley family during this time.
So sorry to hear this. We got the privilege to meet him during a military ceremony.
I am so sorry. I will be praying for you, Hilda and family.
Remembering all your family with love & prayers.
I never had the pleasure of knowing Wakefield like I do Hilda, Beth and other family members. I do know that he and Hilda had to compliment one another to have raised such loving children who became productive adults and great friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Much love Mary Miller
We will remember your family in prayer. May God comfort you in the days to come.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Uncle Wakefield, but I’m sure him and Daddy are rejoicing together. Uncle Wakefield and Aunt Hilda always made Jeff feel a part of the family and loved, and we always appreciated them for that. I have never seen anyone who loved their children and was so proud of each of you than Wakefield. We love all of you.
So sorry, Hilda. Praying for you all.
BETH, I did not know this until now! Logan , thank you for posting this! Hilda, I am thinking about you!
I rejoice with you all for his wonderful life! GodSpeed, Wakefield! GodSpeed!