Obituary of Billy Baxter Bentley

Billy Baxter Bentley, age 91, of Baird's Creek Road, Vilas, passed away Saturday evening, June 24, 2023. Born October 19, 1931 in Watauga County, he was a son of Roby Dewey and Ollie Mae Bentley. Most of his career was in carpentry, building furniture, and road construction. Bill enjoyed working with his hands. He was a master craftsman, loved all kinds of woodworking, and especially enjoyed building detailed doll houses. His favorite pastime was Blue Grass music. He played guitar and Bass Tub, performing with his group at various events throughout western North Carolina. He is survived by his companion of 23 years, Mary Helen Harmon; daughters, Gail Spurlin and husband, Wayne, and Gay Martin, all of Hickory; sons, Barney Bentley and wife Doris, of Georgia, Bob Bentley and wife, Amanda, of Conover, Benny Bentley of East Coast, NC, Boyd Bentley and partner, Milly Humphrey of Conover and Boone Bentley and partner, Sandy, of Hickory; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Perry 'Sam' Bentley and wife, Betty, and Ned Bentley, all of Boone; and sisters, Katie Shore of Boone and Brenda Cornette and husband, R.A., of Vilas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Pauline Townsend, Earlene Lail, Maggie Hicks and infant Mary Ann; and brothers, Lewis, Robert, and Reed Bentley. The family will receive friends Wednesday morning, June 28th from 11 until 12 o'clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Private graveside services, officiated by Rev. Mike Townsend, will follow at 12:30 at the Shull Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, 338 Deerfield Road, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bentley family.