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Sherry’s Run Remembers Bentley’s Legacy

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Mackey Bentley was a man of wisdom, humility and faith. His impact in the Wilson County community is immeasurable and his legacy is great!

Mackey is perhaps best known for the business his father began in 1947, Bentley’s Heating and Cooling. Mackey ran the business for more than 50 years putting into practice the motto his father taught him, “It’s always right to do the right thing.” He went above and beyond for his customers and employees, even taking time to counsel and guide them in their personal lives. He also took great pleasure in running the business side by side with his two sons, Bill and Bruce, and then passing that work on to them.

But Bentley’s legacy extends far beyond his business. He was passionate about giving back to his community including his service on the boards of Friendship Christian School, Hearthside Assisted Living, and Wilson Bank & Trust. He was a tremendous supporter of Sherry’s Run and really believed in the good being done in the community. “Sherry’s Run would not be where we are today without the support of Mackey Bentley. His impact will bless hundreds of cancer patients for years to come,” says Scott Jasper, Sherry’s Run Executive Board Member.

Mackey would tell us that his greatest legacy is found in his family. His beautiful wife of 51 years, their five children, and 14 grandchildren were what he considered his greatest accomplishment. “Hope is huge!” says Judy, Mackey’s wife. “He knew we were fighting this battle with him. Our family never gave up!”

Mackey was a man of character and lived with great purpose. He cared for and honored his parents in their last days on earth and he never looked the other way when he saw a need. He was truly a difference-maker!

The Bentley family’s message is this: “Open your eyes and see all the love around you! Choose it and never let it go! Thank God for this profound love everyday!” A great way to experience this love is through the support of Sherry’s Run. Please join us in honoring Mackey’s memory and the difference he made in this community. Register today!

Corrie Cluck

Faith, courage, optimism and a desire to help others were qualities that defined Sharon “Sherry” Patterson Whitaker. Both before and after the energetic wife and mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, the impression she made on her family, friends and community was undeniable. While her battle in the flesh was lost in 2004, the spirit she had shown throughout life continues to touch more lives every day. Because of Sherry’s Run, a 5K run/walk benefit organized in Sherry’s memory, area cancer victims and their families can make strides toward becoming cancer survivors, and researchers are a small step closer to stopping the disease for good.