Jerry was my next door neighbor, my best friend, my husband, and the love of my life. When he and his family moved to Texas in 1964 I told my mom he would make some girl a wonderful husband and I am so very glad it was me!! In 1966 he rode the bus to Atlanta and proposed. We married in 1967 and started our fabulous journey together. (Information about our life is on my profile page.) He wanted to go to grad school because as a teacher at Therrell (1967) he didn’t have enough time to do his own art. After grad school, his life was spent with a paint brush in hand and a canvas in progress. ECU changed policy to allow graduates to become tenured faculty to get him back in their art program in 1975 where he served until he retired as a full professor in 2009. He has artwork in public collections, colleges, museums, and homes across the country. Though he was a prolific painter, he always had plenty of time for his friends, his students, and especially his family. I will have pictures of his artwork and the book his students wrote about him at the reunion. Many of you saw him through the years as we were at all the reunions. He was funny, kind, honorable, loving, and loved. He was a great teacher, friend, brother, son, father, grandfather, and husband. Lung cancer took him from us Thanksgiving of 2009. A graduate painting scholarship has been endowed in his memory at ECU School of Art & Design, so scholarships can be given yearly in his honor. The twinkle in his eye, his winning smile, his devotion to others, and his fabulous sense of humor are memories I will cherish always!
Information about Jerry’s career, paintings, and 2 obituaries can be found on line: Google NC artist Paul J. Hartley, Jr. Click on Paul Hartley-City Art Gallery for exhibition record and Lee Hansley Art Gallery to see some paintings. There are two obituaries listed.
Jerry and I became friends when he transferred to Venetian Hills in the 7th grade, and continued that friendship until his recent death. Jerry was a truly talented individual who constantly surprised you with his wit, artistic abilities, and insight. We had many adventures together which spanned several decades, and many of those memories still make me smile. I was able to speak with him during his last months, and know that Lane misses him greatly.
Jerry and I were very close during our years at SW. Although we didn't talk much after going our seperate ways, my memories and story telling of him kept me in constant contact. Jerry I miss you.
Jerry [or Paul as all of your ECU group call you], your sweetie, Lane, was one of my closest friends since elementary school [was one of my bridesmaids] so I have heard "jerry stories" for ever. I know how much she loved you and misses you! Thank you for making a great contribution to the southwest legacy! Fondly, Jeanie
Lane Hartley (Hartley)
Jerry was my next door neighbor, my best friend, my husband, and the love of my life. When he and his family moved to Texas in 1964 I told my mom he would make some girl a wonderful husband and I am so very glad it was me!! In 1966 he rode the bus to Atlanta and proposed. We married in 1967 and started our fabulous journey together. (Information about our life is on my profile page.) He wanted to go to grad school because as a teacher at Therrell (1967) he didn’t have enough time to do his own art. After grad school, his life was spent with a paint brush in hand and a canvas in progress. ECU changed policy to allow graduates to become tenured faculty to get him back in their art program in 1975 where he served until he retired as a full professor in 2009. He has artwork in public collections, colleges, museums, and homes across the country. Though he was a prolific painter, he always had plenty of time for his friends, his students, and especially his family. I will have pictures of his artwork and the book his students wrote about him at the reunion. Many of you saw him through the years as we were at all the reunions. He was funny, kind, honorable, loving, and loved. He was a great teacher, friend, brother, son, father, grandfather, and husband. Lung cancer took him from us Thanksgiving of 2009. A graduate painting scholarship has been endowed in his memory at ECU School of Art & Design, so scholarships can be given yearly in his honor. The twinkle in his eye, his winning smile, his devotion to others, and his fabulous sense of humor are memories I will cherish always!
Information about Jerry’s career, paintings, and 2 obituaries can be found on line: Google NC artist Paul J. Hartley, Jr. Click on Paul Hartley-City Art Gallery for exhibition record and Lee Hansley Art Gallery to see some paintings. There are two obituaries listed.
In loving memory, Lane Crawley Hartley
Rick Ricketts
Jerry and I became friends when he transferred to Venetian Hills in the 7th grade, and continued that friendship until his recent death. Jerry was a truly talented individual who constantly surprised you with his wit, artistic abilities, and insight. We had many adventures together which spanned several decades, and many of those memories still make me smile. I was able to speak with him during his last months, and know that Lane misses him greatly.
Frank Lane, Jr
From painting flames on cars to celebrated artist, your life lives past you in your work and in your wonderful family.
Carl Farris
Jerry and I were very close during our years at SW. Although we didn't talk much after going our seperate ways, my memories and story telling of him kept me in constant contact. Jerry I miss you.
Jeanie DeBardelaben (White)
Jerry [or Paul as all of your ECU group call you], your sweetie, Lane, was one of my closest friends since elementary school [was one of my bridesmaids] so I have heard "jerry stories" for ever. I know how much she loved you and misses you! Thank you for making a great contribution to the southwest legacy! Fondly, Jeanie