Wesley "Wes" Gilham Hartley's Obituary
Wesley “Wes” Gilham Hartley, 91, of Gainesville, Florida passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at ET York Hospice after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Wesley was born September 20, 1927 in Montevallo, Alabama. His father passed away when he was 4 and Wesley became a man at a young age to help make a life for himself and his mother. Wes led a life of leadership, honor and integrity joining the Air Force in 1946, where he specialized in overhaul and repair of the “big guns”. He served in the Naval Reserves while attending college. He was called to active duty for three years during the Korean war, serving in Malta and French Morocco. In 1950, Wesley wed Audrey Lane. Their daughter, Diane Audrey Hartley was born in 1958, which he always claimed as “the happiest day of his life”. After discharge from the Navy, Wesley rejoined the Naval Reserve while attending college during which time he planned the construction of a 100 bed hospital in Alaska. He left the Service as a Lieutenant to accept a promotion as District Manager for Ciba Geigy in Miami. There, he was an active member of the Miami Fishing Club. Retiring after 36 years, at age 57, Wesley said, “I loved that job and never felt I worked a day in my life”.
Mr. Hartley is preceded in death by his wife, Audrey and their daughter, Diane Hartley Patterson. Survivors include his son-in-law and his wife, Patrick and Amanda Patterson; four grandchildren, Noelle, Grant, Luke and Elizabeth; nephew, William Lane, and dear friend, Rev. Theresa Wesly.
Graveside services and interment will be held Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm in Riverside Memorial Park, Jacksonville with Rev. Theresa Wesly officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Spirit of Truth Church, 2551 NW 41st St Suite 40, Gainesville, FL 32606 or to your local American Heart Association.
Wesley Gilham Hartley led a life worth living and he lived it well. He embodied character, integrity and directness. We loved him, we miss him, and he will always hold a special place in our heart.
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