Willie Frank Bartley, Sr., 87, of Green Cove Springs (native of Palatka), entered the sunset of life on Monday, September 26, 2022 at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, surrounded by his devoted wife and family. The son of Mattie Odessa Hughes and Frank Williams, Sr., he was born on Sunday, November 25, 1934 in Palatka. At an early age, he joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of his grandfather, Rev. J.D. Hughes. He attended and graduated from Central Academy High School, Palatka and subsequently joined the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1952. He was honorably discharged on December 9, 1966 after also serving in the Naval Reserves. Willie, Sr. served during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Saratoga in the Coral Sea. He earned the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Medal.

On August 28, 1971, he united in marriage to the former Linda Hunter and relocated to Green Cove Springs. He was a longtime member of The First African Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James C. Smith. He was ordained as a Deacon after serving faithfully for many years at First African Missionary Baptist Church. He later joined The Emmanuel Christian Fellowship under the leadership of the late Rev. Lonnie Daniel. Willie, Sr. joined Mt. Zion A.M.E Church on May 11, 2017, under the leadership of Rev. Charles M. Jones.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his 2 daughters, Shirley Gale Bartley and Mattie Lavetta Bartley Givens; 3 brothers, Alvin Williams, Harry "Donnie" Williams, and Frank Williams, Jr.

To cherish his memories and thank God for the shared time: devoted wife of 51 years, Linda Bartley; children , Tara Shanae Bartley and Terren W. (Dionne) Bartley,  Curtis (Sandra) Bartley, Willie Frank (Eva) Bartley, Jr., William (JoAnn) Bartley, Joseph Bartley, Richard (Quinetta) Bartley, Roderick (Bernice) Bartley, and Preston (Norma) Bartley, Brenda Bartley; sister , Rosalind (Harvey) McGee; aunt , Thelma Hughes; godson , Joseph Powell; sisters-in law , Barbara Hunter, Gwen Hunter, Deborah Battle, Elana Hunter, Sahid (Hakeem); brother-in-law , Alvin Hunter; special cousins, Warren Fells, Louis Cane, Ricky Williams, Ralph Williams; nephew , Roger Williams; and a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, classmates and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-6 p.m., Friday, October 7. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 8, at Mt. Zion AME Church, 549 Palmetto Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Rev. James Pernell, Sr., is the eulogist.