Ronnie Dean Bentley, 70, of Watertown, TN, entered his eternal home in Heaven on Sept. 1, 2025, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer.

A devoted husband, father, and man of faith, Ronnie lived each day for the Lord with steadfast strength and perseverance. His unwavering faith and quiet courage were an inspiration to all who knew him. Ronnie loved the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful, dedicated member of Town Creek Old Fashion Missionary Baptist Church in Lebanon. He treasured his church family and found joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others through his faith.

Born in Lebanon, Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Wilson County. He embraced life fully and delighted in the simple things—whether camping beneath the stars, casting a line while fishing, or admiring classic hot rod cars. Above all, his greatest happiness was found in time spent with his beloved family: his wife and "baby doll," Melissa Dawn Bentley; his daughter, Brittany Nicole Bentley "Spud" of Watertown; and his twin sons, Austin Dean Bentley "Butch" and Brady Allen Bentley "Rudy), both of Lebanon. Ronnie was welcomed into Heaven by his loving mother, Bonnie Sue Street; his father, Robert Bentley; and his brother, Billy Ray Bentley. The thought of their joyful reunion brings comfort to those who grieve his passing.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years; his three children; his sister, Theresa Bentley of Watertown; his brothers, Bobby Joe Bentley (Angela) of Houston, Texas, and Mark Bentley (Susan) of Watertown; and a host of nieces and nephews—great, great-great, and great-great-great—whom he cherished dearly.

Services to honor and celebrate Ronnie's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Hunter Funeral Home with Elder Garry Drennon officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. till service time. Pallbearers- Bobby Joe Bentley, Mark Bentley, Cidney Cozart, Nolan Cozart, David Stafford, Brandon Thomas, Andrew Elam, Jesse Elam. Honorary pallbearer, Randall Stafford. Interment will follow at Hunter Memorial Park.

Ronnie's legacy of love, laughter, faith and family will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions toward final expenses may be made at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-ronnie-bentleys-funeral-costs?modal=share&source=fundraiser+sticky+footer or directly to Hunter Funeral Home.