Prentis "Hank" Bartlett

Prentis "Hank" Bartlett was born on October 19, 1932 in Fort Valley, Georgia. He was the youngest child of Fannie and Isom Bartlett. Hank graduated from Crane High School and completed a few years of college. Hank joined the United States Air Force for a sense of adventure. On one of his leaves Hank noticed a pretty young woman, Juanita Hightower, who shortly thereafter became is bride of 57 years. Hank worked at several jobs to support his growing family. But his most memorable one was Illinois Bell. Everyone in his district knew Hank. Nicknamed “the telephone man” he would instantly gain new friends by fixing their phone and helping them out however he could. Hank had many loves in his life; his wife, his children, bid-whist, the blues and playing his guitar. Hank was known for his southern hospitality. Anytime you came to the house you were guaranteed to have a good time. You would hear him playing the guitar and singing the blues, or playing bid-whist and enjoying a good meal. You would know when he had a good hand in bid-whist, because you would hear, “Son, son, son. Goin’ on down the road hey boy! Sure your right!” Children loved him so and he loved them. He always kept candy for the kids and would make sure he had them hide it from their parents by telling them to “put this in your pocket.” Hank would talk to anyone on any subject but especially the Bible. He loved learning and would often speak of his love of and for God along with sharing something he had just read from the scriptures. Although he battled with his sickness for while Hank remained strong until the very end, he never wanted anyone to pity or feel sorry for him. His main concern was his relationship with God, his family and his beloved Nita Baby. On Thursday evening, September 6, 2012, Hank peacefully fell asleep in death. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isom and Fannie Bartlett; brothers, Willis Bartlett and Calvin Bartlett; sisters, Gessie Bartlett, AnnaMae Walker, Sara Johnson, Arlee Jones and Ollie Dennard; and grandson, Alphonia Evans-Bartlett. Hank leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and faithful wife, Juanita Bartlett; daughters, Margo Bartlett-Walton (Robert), Sabrina Bartlett, Naomi Byrd (Anthony) and Shana Smith (Earl); his only son, Prentiss Bartlett Jr.; granddaughters, April Bartlett, Precious Strong (Ezell) and Felicia Bartlett-Brown (Eddie); grandsons, Jory Bartlett, Prentiss Bartlett III and Tommie Brown; sister, Helen Reece; nephew, Willie Jones; adopted daughters, Gloria Hardison and Phyllis Courtney; his favorite bid-whist partner and niece, Desiree Seals; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Prentis "Hank" Bartlett

October 19, 1932 - September 6, 2012