MR. J.E.BENTLEY JR.

A THOMASTON CIVIL RIGHTS ICON HAS PASSED AWAY—MR. J.E. BENTLEY JR., AGE 89 OF WEST MOORE'S CROSSING ROAD, DIED AT HIS RESIDENCE THURSDAY. HE WAS THE OWNER OF BENTLEY AND SONS FUNERAL HOME OF THOMASTON, BARNESVILLE, AND WOODBURY.

FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

MR. BENTLEY FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE AND EQUAL RIGHTS HIS ENTIRE LIFE—HELPING TO ESTABLISH VOTING PRECINCTS CONVENIENT FOR CITIZENS.

IN THE MID-80'S HE FILED A FEDERAL COURT LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CITY OF THOMASTON AND COUNTY OF UPSON TO END DISCRIMINATION IN PROMOTION AND HIRING PRACTICES—WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANIAL BACK PAY FOR SOME EMPLOYEES.