Roy Clyde Hartley

Roy Clyde Hartley, 90, of Elberton, GA passed away peacefully at his home on December 18, 2024.

Mr. Hartley was born on September 21,1934, in Satsuma, AL to the late Claude Carroll Hartley and Shellie Buzbee Hartley-Glover. He was married in 1957 to Jean Beal Hartley with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage before her death in 2013. He graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, AL, Troy State University in Troy, AL, and the University of Georgia in Athens, GA where he obtained a Specialist in Education degree. An educator most of his adult life, Roy touched the lives of many children as a high school teacher, elementary school principal, and county school superintendent. 

A lifelong member of the Methodist church, Roy spent many years as a Lay Minister, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth leader. He was currently a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elberton, GA. 

He is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Jacque and Marvin Denney of Elberton, GA, Becky and Ricky Wood of Griffin GA, Jaime and Lee Scott of Elberton, GA; and one son and his wife, Ron and Robin Hartley of Gulfport, MS. He is also survived by grandchildren: Heather Denney, Ryan Hartley, Ashley Poston, Evan Hartley, Gunnar Hartley, Andrew Wood, Hannah Wood, Joshua Beech, and Brittany Beech; great-grandchildren: EJ Hamm, Aubrey Jester, Skyler Ivey, Ender Hartley, Isabella Arriagada, and Julian Arriagada; sisters and their husbands: Judy and Dick Callen and Elaine and James Moore; brother and his wife, Neil and Annette Hartley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Roy is preceded in death by his brothers: Carroll, Willie, and Butch Hartley; sister, Mary Ann Frye; and granddaughter, Caitlin Hartley.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, December 27, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Berry Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, at 11:00 am in the Memorial Chapel at Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. At other times the family will be at the home.

The family requests that donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 956, Elberton, GA 30635, Elberton First Methodist Church, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635, or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Roy Clyde Hartley.