Ronald Borders Bentley IV "Ronny" Our Little Buddy Bear

In Loving Memory of Ronald Borders Bentley IV

         “Ronny” • “PeePaw” • “Buddy Bear”

On a day that forever changed our hearts, our precious son, Ronald Borders Bentley IV, lovingly known as Ronny, PeePaw, and Buddy Bear, was called home to be with Jesus. Though his time on this earth was only ten short months, the love, joy, and light he brought into this world will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him for a lifetime.

Ronny had a smile that could brighten the darkest day and eyes that seemed to hold a wisdom far beyond his years. He was the sweetest little soul, a precious gift from God whose life, though brief, carried immeasurable purpose. In ten months, he taught us more about unconditional love, gratitude, and the beauty of every moment than many learn in a lifetime.

He loved to be held close, to hear the voices of those who adored him, and to fill every room with warmth and happiness. He was our little Buddy Bear, our precious boy, and the center of so many cherished memories that we will hold tightly until we see him again.

Ronny is survived by his loving parents, Ronald Borders Bentley III (“Trey”) and Jessie Elizabeth Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia; his adoring sisters, Jadelyn, Audrey, Lyla, and Eleanor Bentley, who loved their baby brother with all their hearts; his grandparents, Ron “Poppy” and Faye “Mama Faye” Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia, and Vincent and Deborah Wright of Calhoun, Georgia; his aunt and uncle, Andrew and Miranda Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia; his cousins, Josephine and James Bentley; and his great-grandmother, Linda “Nana” Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ronald B. Bentley Sr., Annie Mae Pierce, Homer Pierce, Herbert and Eleanor Wright, and Patricia Faller and Gene Autry Peebles.

While our hearts ache with a pain that words cannot express, we cling to the promises of God and the hope of Heaven. Jesus said:

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”— Matthew 19:14

And we find comfort knowing that our sweet boy is safe in the arms of Jesus, whole and joyful, waiting for the day we are reunited.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

— Revelation 21:4

Though we cannot understand why his time with us was so short, we trust in the goodness of God and His promise that this goodbye is not forever.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18

And in our grief, we hold tightly to this blessed assurance:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

— Romans 8:38-39

Our precious Ronny, you were deeply loved before we ever held you, and you will be deeply loved until the day we hold you again. You were our sunshine, our laughter, our sweet Buddy Bear. You changed us forever. Though our arms are empty, our hearts are full of the love you gave us.

There will always be a place at our table, a space in our family photos, and a longing in our hearts for you. Until Heaven, we will speak your name, share your story, and remember the incredible gift of your ten beautiful months.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Sleep peacefully, our sweet little boy. Run and play in the presence of Jesus, and know that Mommy, Daddy, your sisters, Your Poppy Bear and Mama Faye “Your PataCake Buddy” and all who love you will carry you in our hearts every day until we meet again.

Forever our PeePaw. Forever our Glow Worm Forever our Brother Bear, our Buddy Bear. Forever our Ronny Boy.