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Lee Greenwood Mourns The Loss of Manager And Friend Jerry Bentley

Lee Greenwood’s Closest Friend Has Died
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Lee Greenwood’s manager and friend, Jerry Bentley, lived in Huntsville, Alabama, and died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. He lived a wonderful and honorable life. Bentley was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp and obtained a rank of Sergeant during his time. He was also awarded various medals in honor of his great service for the country. 

In 1984, he joined Lee Greenwood’s team and served as manager until his retirement. Greenwood, a country music singer-songwriter, said that they never had a contract as an artist and manager. They would just sit down and evaluate their working relationship and shake hands on their work together for the next year. He would always remember Jerry as a great influence in elevating his career and life. He expressed his mourning and sympathy in a post describing Bentley as not only a man at the helm of his career, but his closest friend and most trusted advisor.

He reminisced about their time together and posted a lot of their pictures. He ended his post by saying “go rest high on the mountain, Jerry Bentley- Semper Fi.” This Latin phrase meant “always faithful,” “always loyal.” We can relate to him who mourns the loss of such a great comrade. He truly missed his faithful and dear friend. What they had was beyond partnership and friendship that formed and developed all throughout the years.

Jerry retired in 2014 to spend more time with his family- his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, whom he treasured greatly. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the bereaved family in this sorrowful time. May eternal rest be granted unto him.

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