Staff Writer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Rick Bentley, Birmingham based contractor, engineer and entrepreneur has died.
Mr. Bentley, died on January 12 surrounded by loved ones after battling several illnesses.
Born December 11, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama Mr. Bentley became one of the Southeast’s premier and most sought-after contractors. Starting his first business with $700 he borrowed from his beloved mother Ann, Mr. Bentley founded several companies and landed numerous multi –million dollar contracts. Most recently he founded General Construction Engineering Management (GCEM) which provides program management, construction management, design build, and general contracting services. In addition, he completed projects for UAB’s Kirkland Clinic, Birmingham- Shuttlesworth International Airport, Regions Field, McDonald’s Corporation and Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District.
A product of the Birmingham City School system and graduate of Ramsay High School, Mr. Bentley had a great love for his hometown. After receiving Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business Administration from the University of Alabama, Mr. Bentley decided to return to Birmingham and become an entrepreneur to aid in the growth and development of the Birmingham area. He also went on to receive a Masters of Engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
His professional ventures were not limited to Birmingham, however, his love for Birmingham and devotion to the growth of its business and industry were paramount.
Mr. Bentley was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Titusville and oversaw the construction of a new church in recent years. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bushelon Funeral Home Friday, Jan. 16 from Noon- until 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.
