Charles Ernest Bentley, 75, was called to heaven on July 25, 2020. Chuck, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on July 8, 1945 to Richard and Pura Bentley. Chuck was brother to siblings Richard and Lynne. Raised in Ohio, he was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, class of 1968, and he served as the president of his fraternity. After taking a trip to Florida celebrating his college graduation, he was met by a draft notice when he returned home to Ohio. He chose to enroll in the Army Military Intelligence school and was stationed in Gainesville, FL. There, he took classes at Santa Fe College while serving alongside FBI agents, who convinced him that his skill set bode well for enrolling in law school. He graduated from the University of Florida Law School in 1973, and later served as an Assistant State Attorney. He told many entertaining stories of his “adventures” investigating crime scenes in rural Hardee County, FL. He was qualified as Attorney and Counsellor of the United States Supreme Court in August 1985. He went on to build a thriving legal career, serving as a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney for 40 years. His character and integrity were unquestionable. Chuck was dedicated to his wife, Kim, and three children, Katherine, David, and Kimberly. As the family expanded to include Bill, Marc, and Stacie, Chuck’s heart swelled. He was thrilled to be “Grampy” to Louise and Wyatt. Nothing brought him more joy than to be surrounded by his family. Chuck served his community of Bartow with a life of generosity and commitment. He led as President of both the Bartow Chamber of Commerce and the Bartow Rotary Club, donated time to fledgling organizations, served as Elder for many years at First Presbyterian Church, and volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem child legal advocate. He became an unofficial mentor to many young men in the community, and he was filled with joy to learn of their growth and success!

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