Jerry “Road Dog” Bartley

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathy, the passing of Mr. Jerry Bartley.  Our sincere condolences to the family and friends.

Mr. Jerry Bartley was born July 28, 1955 in Roberta, GA to Fronnie Elizabeth Bartley and Melvin Fleming, Sr. of Perry, GA.  In his early years, his family briefly relocated to Miami, FL. Several years later, they returned to Roberta where he continued his education in the Crawford County School system until he enrolled in Upson Tech. There, he briefly studied welding before finding his true passion, driving semi-trucks. Jerry worked other jobs during this time due to his young age restricting his ability to drive routes outside of the local area. He had no idea that one of his other jobs would lead him to another love, Linda Scott. Their love story would go on to include 44 years of marriage, 2 children, and 6 grandchildren whom he loved and adored. 

Although he was a man of few words, Jerry was known and loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.  He was a soft spoken, yet firm man who loved the Lord, his family, and driving semis more than anything. His love for driving semis earned him his CB handle, “Road Dog”, which he became known as on and off the road. His passion for the open road afforded him a fulfilling career that allowed him to drive throughout 48 states multiple times before his health forced him into an early retirement in 2008.  He spent his remaining years with family and spoiling his grandkids.  He passed away surrounded by family on December 1, 2023.

Jerry’s parents, Fronnie Bartley and Melvin Fleming, Sr., both preceded him in death, as well as a devoted grandmother, Wonzie L. Bartley, uncle Harry Bartley, brothers Karl Bartley, Marcus L. Fleming (Brenda), and sisters Ethelyn Fleming Ekorikoh (Udom), Jennifer Fleming Jackson (Anderson), and Mattie Fleming Bryant (Aaron).

Jerry is survived by a loving, devoted wife and soulmate, Linda Bartley, two children BrenDeshia Bartley and Brad Bartley (Kenya), six grandchildren Jalen Bartley, Adrienne Bartley, Dorian Bartley, Kaleb Bartley, Loryn Bartley, and Rileigh Bartley.  He is also survived by a devoted aunt, Willie Mae Rumph, and siblings Colleen Jackson, Jacquelyn Rutherford (Bobby), Micheal Stephens, Shirlene Bartley, Lawanda Bartley, Stevie Bartley (Angela), Melvin Fleming, Jr. (Betty), Zerita Copeland, John Fleming, and lifelong, devoted friend, Winston Jones.  He also has a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and close friends that will continue to keep his memory alive.