J.D. Bartley

Mr. J.D. Bartley, 84, of Mount Airy, a true and devout community servant, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at his home. Mr. Bartley was born December 27, 1929, in Surry County, the only child born to the late George R. and Mary Mayes Bartley. J.D. was reared in Lowgap and graduated from Lowgap High School. Following his high school graduation, he served our country in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean Conflict era. He later continued his education at Appalachian State University, graduating in 1957 with a degree in business education. He began his teaching career at Mount Airy High School. He received a principal's certificate from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and became the principal at Jones Elementary School and later Mount Airy High School. Mr. Bartley worked as a banker at Workmen's Federal Savings and Loan, before he was appointed as the Director of Human Resources at Pine State Knitwear until his retirement. With a love and passion for children, J.D. and his late wife, Mary Lou, were instrumental in founding The Children's Center of Surry, Inc. He served as interim city manager for The City of Mount Airy from November 2000 to May 2001. Though in his 80s, Mr. Bartley remained active, including his efforts on the Mount Airy ABC Board and was the current chairman. Having an interest in public service, J.D. wore many hats throughout the Greater Mount Airy area and was a staunch Democrat. His desire to live each day to its fullest and his desire to do something good for someone else each day will be long remembered by his family and special friends. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Billie Jo Cross of Johnson City, TN, and Sheila Bullis of Bakersville; a brother-in-law, C.B. Masters, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; special friends, Maud M. Randolph and David and Patsy Hall, all of Mount Airy; and a special family, Stefan and Lotta Camp and their children, all of Sweden. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bartley was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Masters Bartley; his son, Michael Bartley; a sister-in-law, Nancy Taylor; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Masters and Lloyd Masters. A service of worship and celebration of J.D.'s life will be held Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Rob Evans and David Beal officiating. There will not be a formal visitation at the funeral home or church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Children's Center of Surry, Inc., P.O. Box 692, Dobson, NC 27017 or www.surrychildren.com. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.