Tom Bentley’s physical form came to rest on May 25, 2026, as his ever- constant energy slipped its earthly bounds and returned to the boundless “physics of it all,” a construct in which he believed, though said he didn’t quite understand. In that spirit, he chose to return naturally to the earth, buried in a pine box, nestled near the trees beside a quiet creek in the community he adored — Tullahoma. At his passing, he was surrounded by close friends and family.

For Tom, life was meant to be lived to its fullest. There was always a sparkle in his eye and a vibrant energy about him that turned even the simplest moments into something memorable. Tom considered himself a poet who was a “husband-past, father, friend, physicist, and engineer.” His hobbies included sailing, kayaking, hiking, biking, caving (in days gone by), drawing, and writing poetry. However, his true passion was fostering connections with and between the people in the community of Tullahoma. Tom truly lived his conviction that we are here to care for each other. From repairing shingles on a roof to helping guide a friend’s sailboat from one harbor to the next, he embodied the spirit of a helper, offering his hands and heart with the pure intention of being kind to others.

Those in his orbit might call him quirky; others would say brilliant. Most would agree he was both. An artist at heart, Tom took pride in the fact that his Masters in Physics was technically a Master of Arts. He experienced poetic beauty in the intricacies of how the universe worked around him. He was deeply moved by the transcendence of music, the delicate blooming of trillium in the forest, and the cast and refraction of light. He also took particular delight in the groans that follow a very bad dad joke.

An aerospace research scientist, project manager, and teacher, Tom had an expansive professional career. He received his Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics in 1964 and a Master of Arts in Plasma Physics from NC State University in 1967, while also obtaining a patent for a seawater density gauge for submarines. In 1987, he completed a second Master’s of Science in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at the University of Tennessee Space Institute.

During his tenure at Arnold Engineering and Development Center (AEDC), later AEDC/Sverdrup Technology, his expertise and leadership focused on electro-optical flow field instrumentation, infrared diagnostics, and the modeling of complex integrated systems, such as engine–aircraft interactions. He consulted in the development of the conceptual design for an acoustic-phased sensor array platform to determine effects of water souring on bridge support structures, and he was the co-team leader of a NASA Glenn/Sverdrup effort to develop an engine health monitoring program for the Space Shuttle Main Engine. As a project manager and program coordinator, he helped to grow the AEDC Small Business Innovation Research program, and he was honored for his leadership as the National Management Association’s Member of the Year recipient for 1989.

A lover of learning, he enjoyed teaching and mentoring. He served on the Tennessee State University School of Engineering and Computer Science Industrial Cluster Advisory Board and was a TSU Distinguished Lecturer. After retirement, he taught at Motlow Community College as an Associate Professor in Physics.

As a writer, Tom authored over 32 technical papers in electro-optics, plasma physics, and diagnostic instrumentation. However, he became known for his poetic side and rejoiced in the clever turn of verse and in the cadence of a well-wrought line. He was a founding member of the Not Yet Dead Poets Society and Remedial Reading and Writing Group, and he published numerous poetry collections.

Tom’s civic engagement was where he “walked the walk.” He was an active member in Rotary International (1993-2026), serving in various leadership roles including president of the Tullahoma Sunrise Rotary Club and as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was involved in Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, the Annual Tennessee Leadership Seminar, and the Boy Scouts. (He was very proud that both of his sons achieved Eagle Scout and that both his daughters obtained doctorates.) He was chairman, past president, and founding father of the Tullahoma Hands on Science Center, and a founding member and chairman for the Highland Rim Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association.

Tom founded and co-lead the “Coffee Crew” at First Christian Church, where Sunday mornings became a forum for lively, thoughtful discussions on life, death, and everything in between. He also served as chairman of the board, as well as a deacon and elder. Later, as a devoted member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma, he delighted in the shared exploration of what it means to be human. He was deeply loved by his children who are grateful for teaching them how to live with joy and embrace life. Tom was born in Oak Park, Illinois the son of Harry Thomas Bentley II and Janalee Parker Bentley. He is survived by Paige Bentley (Daughter); Sarah “Elisa” Bentley (Daughter); Mark Bentley (Son); Jon Bentley (Son); Taylor Bentley (Granddaughter); Chayton Mailco (Grandson); Crystal Bentley (daughter-in-law); Mark Land (son-in-law); Babs Ulmer (sister); Nancy Raymond (sister); Jeffrey Claridge (nephew); Chris Clemens (niece); Marley Claridge (niece); Joan Bentley (former wife); Jessica Siple (former wife); and his significant other, Roberta Adams. A celebration of his life will be held at First Christian Church of Tullahoma, 201 NW Atlantic Street, Tullahoma, TN, on Sunday, June 7. Visitation with the family will begin at 1 and the service at 2 pm. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The service can be viewed live on the First Christian Church – Tullahoma Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that donations be made to: Tennessee Trails Highland Rim Chapter at https://tennesseetrails. org/get-involved/donate/ or the Coffee County Democratic Society.

Tullahoma News – June 3, 2026