Dewayne Bentley

DeWayne Allen Bentley, formerly of Battle Creek, died February 22, 2022, at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee, surrounded by family. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 25, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots or Wounded Warriors, charities DeWayne supported for many years. DeWayne was born April 6, 1951, to Bert and Dorothy Bentley of Flint, Michigan. DeWayne enlisted in the Marine Corps while still in high school and after graduating from Davison High School in 1969 he went to boot camp in San Diego, California. DeWayne fought in the Vietnam War in 1970 where he was medically evacuated and received a Purple Heart. DeWayne later served in the Marine Corps Reserve. He returned to active duty in 1975 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Marine Corps, DeWayne earned an Associate Degree in Business from Baker College in 1985. He also served in the Coast Guard Reserve and the Naval Reserve. He retired from the Navy in 1997 as a Petty Officer First Class. DeWayne had more than 24 years of military service. After his Purple Heart, his highest military medal was the Navy/USMC Achievement Medal. In his civilian career DeWayne was employed by the Veterans Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). He served DLA at the Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. He retired from the Federal Center in 2007 after serving his country for over 33 years. DeWayne married Kay Doxey in Battle Creek in 1987. They lived in Battle Creek until 2012 when they moved to Greeneville, Tennessee. DeWayne and Kay faithfully attended First Christian Church in Greeneville, where they are baptized members. DeWayne was very proud of his four children, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. DeWayne is survived by his wife Kay, daughters; Suzanne (Irvin) Wiesner, Rebecca (David) Davis, stepsons; Matthew (Melissa) Doxey, Marcus (Corrine) Doxey, two sisters; Barbara (Gerald) Hodgeson and Kathryn (Dale) Clark, and two sisters-in-law; Linda (Jim) Stephens and Christy Thompson (Dan Donley). The twelve grandchildren are: Troy Bentley, Devyn-Marie (Devon) Elshafie, Aubree Bentley, Nikolas, Sophia, and Landon Davis, Makena, Ethan, Mollena, Avelia, Daniel, and Lucas Otto Doxey. The five great-grandchildren are: Ryan, Kira, and Alayna Elshafie, Sierra Bentley, and Graysen Harmon. DeWayne is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home www.henryfuneralhome.org