Frederick John Hartley, Iii

Frederick John Hartley III, of Decatur, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 27, 2022, at the age of 75 years, beloved husband of Martie Hartley.

Fred grew up in Avondale Estates where he forged friendships that would last his whole life.  After cheering on the Avondale Blue Devils to multiple State Football Championships, he graduated and started working for Sears and Roebuck - a career that would last 43yrs and put his kids through college.  He had two children, and two grandchildren from his first marriage to Julie Jordan of Decatur.

In 1995 Fred and Martie married and started their journey in life together, having found each other while both working at Sears.  Martie and her loving family of children fully embraced Fred as he became a Step Father of 5 and Grandfather of 11.  It wasn’t just children that Fred and Martie adored, they shared the home with their ‘kids’ (dogs) and a St. Bernard was always in the mix.  In retirement one of Fred’s favorite roles was that of dog walker: rain or shine, the neighbors could expect a smile and a wave as Fred walked the big majestic dogs down their street.   

The social side of life suited Fred’s personality and he became involved with many groups.  Once retired Fred looked for an opportunity to reconnect with the friends of his Avondale Days and started a casual lunch group at the Old Hickory House.  Appropriately named R.O.M.E.O (Retired Old Men Eating Out), over the years this group grew from 4 friends to a fellowship of 58 at last count.  

His prized possession has always been “The Falcon”; a 1963 Falcon Sprint in baby blue, just like the one his sister shared with him in High School.  His interest in cars stayed keen throughout the years, he was a regular at local car shows for decades.  He and the Falcon have earned many dozens of trophies from shows, resulting in a Hall of Fame garage display.

If Fred wasn’t at a car show he was probably at the lake.  Over the last many years he and Martie treated their houseboat as a fun 2nd home to share with friends and family, but most of all, the dogs!  Fred loved lakes, and dogs love swimming so off they went - weekly!  His favorite days were spent with the boat tied up to an island, walking the beaches with the dogs and riding his jet ski.  A loving Grandfather, in his last year “Grandpa Fred”  taught his youngest Grandchildren to ride the jet ski with him - to giggles of delight from all!

A religious man, Fred most recently was an active member of St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church.  He was involved with the men’s choir, bible study, and monthly breakfasts.  The community buoyed his faith to new heights.  Some of his last sentiments were that he knew where he was going and was excited to see his beloved Dad when he got there.  

Besides his loving wife, Fred is survived by his daughter and son: Suzanne Hartley and Sanford Johnson (Jordan), John and Julie Hartley (Betty) both of Durango, Colorado; his sister Mary Lou Hartley; Stepchildren Jennie and Matt Bredemeier (Acelyn), Mikey Berkhoudt (Sire, Thane, Morgonna), Tammy Berkhoudt (Sophie Rose, Beck, Wyatt), Marc and Rachel Pilvinsky (Iris, Asher), David Pilvinsky (Tanner, Carson), and numerous nieces, nephews and their families; as well as life long friend Bo Thompson.

Fred was predeceased by his Parents Frederick J. Hartley Jr. and Suzanne Suitch Hartley; nephew Brian K. Johnson; and the best friends a guy could hope for from the Avondale Days: Buddy Evans and Tommy Newkirk.

VISITATION:

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 11:30A.M. and 1:00P.M. on Saturday, April 2, 2022.  There will be a casual cruise-in and many of Fred’s car friends will bring their Hot Rods to create a “21 Exhaust Salute”.  A service, with Pastor Dana Ezell officiating will be held from 1:00P.M. to 2:00P.M.  

These festivities will be held at:

St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church

5365 Memorial Drive

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

PROCESSION:

Immediately following the service, Fred’s Falcon will lead the escorted classic car “cruise-out” procession to his Interment at:

Resthaven Cemetery

2284 Candler Road

Decatur, GA 30032

DONATIONS:

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to:

St. Timothy’s UMC

5365 Memorial Drive

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

www.sttimumc.org/give.html

Streaming options for the Service:

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St Timothy United Methodist Church, Stone Mountain, GA