Clarence Oras Bentley's Obituary
BENTLEY, CLARENCE ORAS – On August 30, 2012 Clarence Bentley was called home to Heaven by the Lord he loved. He was born October 14, 1921, the son of Sallie and Fieldon Bentley, and was reared on a farm near Eddy, Texas, where he attended school and was the valedictorian of his class. Clarence received a BA degree from Baylor, a BBA degree from SMU and a Law degree from Baylor Law School. He taught accounting and business law in each university while pursuing his own studies. He was a member of the Senate Law Society at Baylor Law School. After graduation he taught business law for a year at North Texas State in Denton. He served three years as assistant District Attorney in Dallas, then joined the firm of Shults, Nesbitt & Bentley. He practiced law in Dallas for 64 years. He was a member of the Texas Bar Association and served as president of the Dallas Bar Association. On November 10, 1951 he married Mary Jo Ellis. They journeyed happily through life together for over 60 years. They were active members of First Baptist Church Dallas where he was a deacon for 56 years. He served terms as chairman of the Board of Deacons, the Mary C Building Committee, the First Baptist Academy and as a member of the Board of the Dallas Life Foundation. He also served as President of the Dallas Baylor Club. He and Mary Jo enjoyed participating in many mission trips and building projects, as well as being Clarion Choir sponsors. He owned and operated several farms and ranches, as well as having had real estate investments. However, his greatest investments were in his family, friends, church, and the Lord he served. He was a kind Christian man of integrity, with a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Jo, daughter Sally Bentley DeBoard, grandchildren Robert and Emily DeBoard, son, Ellis Fieldon Bentley, grandsons Hunter and Brayden Bentley, of Rockwall, each of whom brought special joy to his life, as did many dear relatives and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Greg DeBoard, brothers Leslie, Reuben, Milton, and sister Merle Jones. Graveside services, conducted by Dr. Hal Habecker, will be held at 9:30 AM at Restland to be followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church Dallas. Services will be officiated by Dr. Hal Habecker, Dr. O. S. Hawkins and Dr. Robert Jeffress. Memorials may be made to the Christian ministry of your choice. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 2 John 5:11
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