GASTONIA, N.C. - Bruce L. Bentley, of Gastonia, passed away Jan. 24, 2011, at Caramont Hospital in Gastonia with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 5, 1934. He was 76. He was born, raised and went to school in Gastonia. After high school he joined th US Air Force and basic training he was sent to Manchester, N.H., where he met and married Helen Irzyk in 1954. They were blessed with three beautiful and loving children. Upon his release from the Air Force he went to work for six years at Hayes Aircraft in Birmingham, Ala., and Air Mode in Dover, Del., as an aircraft engine mechanic. He then went to work doing Drywall hanging and finishing for several years. He worked for General Foods in the chocolate and roasting department for 15 monts and leased a Mobil gas station on Governors Ave. for a few years. He returned to Gastonia in 1968 doing sheet rocking for a few years and then got a job with McGinnis Industrial Gears where he was a machinist making industrial gears for looms. He worked there for the past 20 years until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Sarah Bentley, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his daughters, Donnalee A. McGhee and her husband Ernie of Houston, Del., Gail Burgess and her husband Jim of Harrington, Del.; son, Jeffrey Bentley of Fairton, N.J.; grandson, Eric McGhee and wife Robyn of Anchorage, Ala.; granddaughter, Jennifer Massotti and her husband Leonard of Houston, Del.; four great-grandchildren, Elias McGhee of Anchorage, Ala., Miah, Sophia, and Levi of Houston, Del; his brother, Marvin Bentley and his wife Sara of Gastonia; and some nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services and burial will be in Gastonia. Condolences may be sent to Donnalee McGhee, Gail Burgess, or Helen Radtka.