The LORD is my light and salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1

William Leroy Bartley, affectionately called Leroy, was born on April 11, 1933 to the late Henry and Rev. Sarah Haynes Bartley in the Kitfield section of Moncks Corner, South Carolina. He was the eldest of 14 children. He transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday morning, March 24, 2020 at his home in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

William was brought up in a Christian and loving home. He was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County.

In 1952, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Susan McKelvey Bartley. They were married for 66 years. They were blessed with eight children; one preceded them in death.

He was converted in the Kitfield Community Classroom in 1963. William grew up in Graham African Methodist Episcopal Church. At the age of 14, he joined the church and served on the Usher Board and Junior Choir until 1969. Upon the merger of the Junior and Senior Choirs, he served as president for 12 years of the newly formed Senior Choir. In 1961, he became a member of the Trustee Board. William later became the Pro-tem and served until 1992. He was also appointed as a Steward and served faithfully through his terms. His final appointment was that of a Steward "Emeritus".

After the Graham and St. James AME merger, William served on the Moncks Corner AME building committee for two structures. The first was destroyed by fire. The second is the present building. He played an integral part in the building of both to include but not limited to, the framework, woodwork, windows and doors. Upon completion of the current building in the year 1979, William was privileged to present the keys to the church to Bishop Frank Madison Reid II. He also served on the first budget committee for several years.

William loved to sing. He sang for many years with The Bartley Singers, The Choraliers, The Lewis Harmonettes, Moncks Corner AME Junior, Senior and Male Choirs, The Drayton Singers, The Chancel Mass Choir and The Berkeley Community Male Choir. He was an enthusiastic and energetic singer and sang from the depths of his soul.

William was employed by Haynes Construction Company as a carpenter for many years. He was also employed by the South Carolina State Ports Authority as a forklift driver. He retired from this position in 1995.

He became a member of Ancient Square Lodge #174 and later transferred his membership to Moncks Corner Lodge #323.

William was a praying man and was always willing and ready to answer the call. He was a devoted and dedicated servant of God. He willingly and unselfishly gave of his time and his talents doing God's work. William was a strong Christian family man, a builder, a faithful loving husband and a caring father. He loved spending time with his family and friends; he enjoyed fishing, growing his garden and the Dallas Cowboys. William was a "jack of all trades and a master of many."

William was preceded in death by his wife Susan McKelvey Bartley; his parents, Henry Bartley and Rev. Sarah Haynes Bartley; his brother, Henry Jr., Thomas and Rev. Robert Bartley; his sisters, Elnora Barnhill and Alfreda Benjamin.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his children, Melvin Wilfred (Pearline) Bartley, Willie James (Cheryl) Bartley, Rose Mary Myers, Rosalind (Solomon, Jr.) Glover, Mae K. Bartley, Walter Leroy (Johnnie Mae) Bartley and Suzann Bartley; eight grandchildren, Tarvas Joy, Eric Cooper, Chrystal (Eric) Neely, Brooke Myers, Kalonda (Greg) Pinckney, Kia Myers, Marcus Bartley and Tyler Bartley; his sisters, Erma White, Edith Cartledge, Christina Simmons, Virgeous Bridget and Rosezenia Johnson; two  sisters-in-law; Verna Bartley and Betsy Shands; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"Sleep on Daddy, take your rest. We love you dearly, but God loves you best!"

His Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Moncks Corner AME Church, 306 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be held Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.