Arthur Sumner Bent III

Arthur Sumner Bent III 11-26-1961 – 02-10-2024 It is with extreme sorrow that the family of Arthur “Sonny” Sumner Bent III has to announce his passing on February 10, 2024 following a motorcycle accident in his home-town of Holopaw, Florida. Sonny was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts to Arthur Sumner Bent Junior and Meredith Jane Bent (Perry), the third-born of four siblings. Even from his early life, Sonny was what many could consider a wild card. He lived a rich life full of adventure. He loved his family fiercely and was proud of his children. He was known to brag about his children’s accomplishments frequently, with a smile on his face. If there was one simple way to describe Sonny, it’s that he always lived life on his own terms, regardless of what anyone else had to say. He stayed true to himself and loyal to his friends, family, and beliefs. He started his early work in the military as a paramedic and in his later years became a mechanic. Sonny was always working with his hands and could build near anything that he put his mind to; he took great pride in his work. He was passionate about a great many things including motorcycles, travel, camping, hunting, archery, boats, fishing, and time spent in nature with those he loved. Family members have fondly coined him “The Ultimate Outdoorsman” which is impeccably fitting for how he lived his life. He always felt more at home on the lake or in the woods. In 1988 he met Wendy Thompson and they would go on to have three children, Arthur, Andrea, and Breanne. Breanne went on to have his only grandchild, Connor. Sonny loved being a father and loved being a grandfather even more. All three kids have strong, fond memories with their dad. His children affectionately remember summers spent on the lake, adventurous trips out of state, and blueberry pancakes in the morning (a well-loved tradition of both Sonny and his late father). Later in life, Sonny ran his own business; “Sonny’s Unwanted Adventures”. He offered animal removal services, sightseeing/ecotourism, bowfishing, archery outfitting, and gator hunting. The business’s tagline was “Adventures to Last a Lifetime”. He has had many clients who could re-count wild adventures that often fit with the business’s moniker of “Unwanted Adventures”. Every adventure included a twist, and no one went home without a great story to tell. This spurred many a running joke with his family and friends. Sonny was well known for building up the communities in which he lived. Sonny lived in Holopaw for over 25 years, 22 spent with his long-time partner Debbie Gettings. Friends, family, and the community alike have recognized him for his abundance of care and support. He treated everyone as an equal, regardless of their life circumstances. There was no task too big or small for him to lend a helping hand. So many people knew and loved Sonny, more than he could have ever even realized himself. He uplifted local clubs, programs, places, and people, all by just being himself. Sonny strongly believed in second chances and that people could always come out on top. He was witty and full of fantastic humor; he could make you laugh and he would light up a room. He loved dogs and had many close to his life throughout the years; Even now he is survived by two dogs that he loved dearly. Most of all, he will be missed for his smile and the way he would look at those he loved with a glint in his eyes, beaming with pride and love. On the exterior he may have come across as a seasoned and gruff man, but those who knew him best knew that he was soft and protective with those he loved. He was never afraid to wear his emotions or shed a tear when expressing his pride towards his children. He loved deeply, prayed daily, and supported many. No number of words can ever express how dearly he will be missed, and no amount of time will ever truly heal the wounds opened by his sudden passing. We can only hope to live a little more like Sonny: wild, passionate, loving, and free. Sonny was predeceased by his father; Arthur S. Bent Jr and is survived by his mother, Meredith Jane Bent, his sisters Barbara Fernandez and Cheryl Pucci, brother Scott Bent, daughters Breanne M. Bent and Andrea J. Bent, son Arthur S. Bent IV, and grandson Connor D. Bent. In addition, he is also survived by many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins and his partner of 22 years, Debbie Gettings. He is already dearly missed by all.

Arthur Sumner Bent III

November 26, 1961 - February 10, 2024