Native Englishman and car rental industry veteran Robert Bentley died peacefully at his home in Aiken, S.C., March 27. He was 74-years-old.

Born in 1944 in Stroke-on-Trent, England, Bentley moved to the U.S. in the mid ‘70s to pursue further business opportunities in the car rental industry. Bentley owned and operated an Ace Rent A Car in Austin, Texas, for many years.

“Robert was a wonderful ACE affiliate with a strong English accent, a great sense of humor and a real entrepreneur,” says Dick Radzis of Ace Rent A Car.

During his career, Bentley also operated as a Thrifty Car Rental licensee in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and as an Ace affiliate in Jacksonville and Augusta, Ga., in addition to his Austin location.

“Robert was very hard-working and as an operator, his gentle demeanor and level-headed positive outlook made him a joy to work with,” says Toni Lee Sabatino of Courtney Leasing. “He will be greatly missed by all of us at Courtney Leasing, Inc. Robert’s memory will forever be with us.”

When he wasn’t running several operations, Bentley cheered on Stoke FC, his hometown’s football club. He also enjoyed his beloved Yorkshire terrier, Rusty.

Bentley is survived by his wife, Brenda, children, Shea and her husband Zach of Austin, Siobhan and Lydia of Ireland, and four grandchildren.

Remembrance donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.