Willie Ray Bartley

Willie Ray Bartley, Sr., resident of Danville, Virginia passed away on September 20, 2016 at his home after a sudden decline in health. Willie Ray, as he was known by many, was born on the 3rd of April, 1938 in Pikeville, Kentucky to Vertie and Delbert Bartley. He was predeceased in death by both his parents, his wife Lillie Ann and two sisters, Glenda Marie Bartley and Helema Hopkins. He is survived by his children: Thaddeus Bartley of Radford, VA, and his children Pauline and Ashley; Peggy Vaught of Radford, VA; Jerry Bartley of Christiansburg, VA and his children Megan and Jacob; Annette Jeter, her husband Vann and their children, Adrienne and Peyton of Danville, VA; Ray Bartley, his wife Allyson and their children, Ryan and Evan of Danville, VA; and Jeff Bartley of Raleigh, NC.; plus, eight Great Grandchildren. In addition, Willie Ray is also survived by siblings Irvin Bartley (wife Peggy), Estil Bartley (wife Reda), Destil Standifur (husband Don), Debbie Bowling (husband Dudley Bowling), all of Elkhorn City, Kentucky and Sherry Mayes of Thomasville, NC. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who all helped make his life rich and full. Willie was born in Pikeville, KY and raised in Elkhorn City, KY, attending school at Hellier High School. He was employed in the coal mines before heading east to Danville, VA where he would accept a job as a weaver at Dan River Mills. There, he worked for 44 years, before retiring as a supervisor in 4-B Weave at Schoolfield. Willie was dedicated to work and providing for his family. A man of few words, he loved entertaining his family and friends with decadent breakfasts and routine fishing and hunting trips. Yet to those closest to him, he will forever be remembered as the caring man who faithfully and lovingly cared for his ailing wife, Lillie, the last weeks of her life - always by her side. A man that was steadfast and true, until the very end. Family will receive guests at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel on September 23, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. There will be no burial service. A celebration of life will be held in Spring 2017. Memorial contributions may be made in Willie Ray's name to the American Cancer Society or the Tunstall Fire and Rescue Squad. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Bartley family.

Willie Ray Bartley

April 3, 1938 - September 20, 2016