On Monday, October 24, 2023, Melvin Wilfred Bartley "Dad", son of the late William Leroy and Susan Bartley, said farewell and entered into eternal rest.

Melvin was born on June 20, 1953 in Moncks Corner, SC. He attended the public schools of Berkeley County, graduating from Berkeley High School Class of 1971. He continued his education at Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Technical (BCDT) College where he obtained his certification as a welder.

Melvin began his career at General Electric as a welder. He later worked at Lockheed Martin for years where he obtained his commercial driver's license to begin working as an independent contractor with Atlas Trucking where he retired.

It was in his parents' home that he experienced love and was nurtured in faith. He held membership in Moncks Corner A.M.E. Church from an early age where he served in the following capacity: Trustee Board, Young Adult Choir and Moncks Corner A.M.E. Male Choir.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving-devoted wife, Mrs. Pearline K. Bartley; son, Eric Cooper; grandchildren, Xavier Cooper, Braylon Cooper, and Jordan Livingston; siblings: Willie James (Cheryl) Bartley (Moncks Corner, SC), Rose Mary Myers (Ridgeville, SC), Rosalind (Solomon Jr.) Glover (Columbia, SC), Mae K. Bartley (Fredericksburg, VA), Walter Leroy (Johnnie Mae) Bartley (Moncks Corner, SC), and Suzann Bartley (Columbia, SC); in-laws: Willie James Cooper (Maxine), Gwendolyn Brown (Reverend Ronnie), Alfreda Wilson (Randy), Kenneth Cooper (Shirby), Denise Dollard (Rudolph), Cynthia Williams (Paul), Janice McGill (Henry), Marilyn Dorsey (Anthony), Darryl Cooper (Jeannette) and Shacarolyn McVay (John); four aunts: Edith Cartledge (Bronx, NY), Christina Simmons (Philadelphia, PA), Betsy Shands (Moncks Corner, SC) and Rosezenia Johnson (Jamestown, SC); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Moncks Corner AME Church,306 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC. Interment will be in the church's cemetery. Viewing will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.