William Robert (Bill) Bartlett, 86, a lifelong Memphian, died at Baptist Hospital on June 7, 2013. He was a 1943 graduate of Messick High School and attended both Memphis State College and the University of Mississippi. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and the Korean conflict. Bill was employed by Dixie Bearings for 44 years in sales and as a Regional manager. His hobbies included, golf, tennis, softball, stamp collecting, astronomy, model railroading and classical music. An avid stamp collector from childhood, he was a member and past president of the Memphis Stamp Collecting Society and an exhibit judge for the U.S. Philatelic Society. He was active in scouting as an Eagle Scout, pack and troop leader. During his life, he attended St. Luke''s, Underwood, Bartlett and Emmanuel United Methodist Churches and served in every leadership position including Sunday school teacher, youth counselor and adult study leader. Most recently, he attended Decatur Trinity Christian Church. He was a member of the Memphis Emmaus Community and Kairos prison ministry. Bill was passionate about sharing the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ with the residents of West TN State Penitentiary in Henning, TN where he ministered on a weekly basis for many years despite numerous physical limitations. Bartlett was a 2008 Jefferson Award winner for outstanding volunteer service. He was a Shriner, Member of the Scottish Rite and delivered MIFA meals on wheels on holidays. Bill was preceded in death by a son, Dr. William Robert (Bob) Bartlett, Jr. He leaves his wife, Ruth, of Germantown, a son David and a daughter-in-law, Susan, of Memphis, a sister, Helen Dawson, of Germantown, and two nieces, Cathy Dawson and Cindy McCord of Collierville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 9th from 5-7 pm and funeral Wednesday June 10th at 10am, both at Forest Hill East on Whitten Rd. A private family graveside service will follow at Belmont Cemetery in Mason, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kairos Ministry of Memphis, Forgiveness House or Decatur Trinity Christian Church.
Forest Hill East Funeral Home
901-382-1000