Jesse Clifton Hartley, Jr.

Jesse Clifton Hartley of Monroe (formally of Decatur) passed away October 27, 2008. He was 93 years of age, born July 2, 1915 in Bowman, Elbert County, Georgia. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant and was proud to have received numerous medals including the Southwest Pacific Medal with three combat stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one combat star and Bronze Star Medal for work over and above the call of duty. He was retired from Sunshine Biscuits Co. after working there 27 years and being in the food business (in the Atlanta area) for forty-seven years. At one time he managed stores for Rogers' Supermarkets, Austin's Supermarkets and Colonial Foods. He was a member of Piedmont Masonic Lodge #447 F&AM for over 53 years, where he served two terms as Worshipful Master (1964 & 1973). He also served as Vice President of E. A. Minor Masonic Memorial Club (conducting over 400 funerals), was Chairman of the Youth Committee at Piedmont Lodge, and supported DeMolay and Rainbow youth initiatives state-wide. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Masonic Temple. As a Mason he was written up as an Outstanding Mason in Georgia and listed in the national publication "Who is Who in Free Masonry". During his life he served as President of East Lake Civic Club, taught Sunday School at East Lake Methodist Church, where he also served on the Official Board of the Church, was a member of the Dekalb County Historical Society, Glen Haven Community Association and was active in youth initiatives to include the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America. He authored numerous articles of public and consumer interest and produced several TV shows which appeared on public broadcast channels (focusing on the hearing impaired). He was a member of MARTA’s Elderly and Disabled Access Advisory Committee for 18 years, representing the hearing impaired. He was active in the deaf and hard of hearing community and a staunch advocate for the hearing impaired and deaf, receiving many awards for his work to include Deaf Citizen of the Year. He is survived by sons: Cliff Hartley and his wife Lynda of Lawrenceville, their children Michael & Malisa Artelli and their child Mindy of Yorktown, Virginia; and Daniel and Megan (Hartley) Davis of Winder; Claude Hartley and his wife Robin and their son Andy of Covington. In lieu of flowers contributions Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital or Canine Assistants, 3160 France Road, Alpharetta, GA, 770-664-7178. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3 PM at the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.