Alfred Bentz Obituary

Alfred "Al" Bentz

July 4, 1944 - May 4, 2025

Alfred "Al" Bentz, 79, of Johnson City, TN died May 4, 2024 at Johnson City Medical Center following a short illness.

Al was born July 4, 1944 in Providence, Rhode Island and grew up in Seekonk, Massachusetts. He was one of five children born to John Bentz, a first-generation American of German parents and Grace Quigley Bentz, a Scottish immigrant.

Al graduated with a bachelor's degree from Boston University and then served two years in the US Navy. After honorable discharge, he received a fellowship for graduate work in sociology at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Al also earned a commercial license for professional truck driving and drove trucks cross-country for awhile.

In 1974, Al married Betty Hurst. They moved to east Tennessee in 1976 and settled in a log cabin they built on a mountainside in Unicoi County. He moved to Johnson City in 1992 where he worked as a carpenter and builder. He supervised the construction of the first Hands On! Museum in downtown Johnson City, did historic renovations, and built and remodeled homes, first as a self-employed general contractor, then as construction manager for Holston Habitat for Humanity, and later for Appalachia Service Project. Along with the faithful Johnson City "B" Team, Al helped many local families and individuals achieve the dream of affordable home ownership.

Al was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music, and was skilled at teaching others construction skills on job sites.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and his longtime companion Jo Carson. He is survived by his former wife Betty Hurst and a host of friends.

A service of remembrance for Al will be held Thursday, November 20th at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Al to Holston Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 5265, Kingsport, TN 37663 or Appalachia Service Project, 4523 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601.