Walter Raleigh Bentley was born on July 12, 1941, on Wilson Creek, Langley. Kentucky. Making him 80 years old. He was one of nine children born to Elberson & Cynthia (Bradley) Bentley. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters at the early ages of three and four years old. Seven children lived to adulthood; Walter was the middle child.

On January 24, 1964, Walter married Margie Caudill, daughter of William and Mae Caudill. He remained faithful and good to her until her death on January 9, 2000. Walter was also preceded in death by his oldest son: Jeffrey Scott Bentley, December 23, 1983, at the age 17. Walter was private about his feelings and seldom discussed his feelings with anyone. To a select few people, Walter said after the death of Scottie he became a different person. He turned to the Lord for help in his life. He gave his heart to the Lord and Providence Church and became a member of the church on October 26, 2002. He often stated he regretted not becoming a member much earlier in life. Walter’s life was lived as an educator, which he believed was his calling. He worked 39 years as an educator in Floyd and Knott Counties. Walter always said he wanted every student to do well, and he never met a child he did not love. To supplement his income when he a teacher he drove the school bus and coached multiple sport teams & he built houses. I am sure he has built many houses of people that are here today. Then after retirement, he began honing his woodworking skills. He built some beautiful furniture from clocks, side tables, chairs, chairs with bark seats to China cabinets and dining room tables. Walter was a man with a heart full of love and forgiveness. He loved his family more than anything and wanted his children to be happy and to love each other. He also loved his church. When he became ill and could no longer attend services, he became very sad. Walter will be a difficult man to replace. He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.

Visitation will begin Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 6pm at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home, Martin, Kentucky and will continue after 5pm Thursday, April 21, 2022 with additional services each night at 7pm

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11am at Providence Old Regular Baptist Church, Topmost, Kentucky with Old Regular Baptist Ministers officiating