Willie Franklin “Frank” Hartley Jr. 82, of Valley, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at the Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama.
Born on April 24, 1944, in West Point, Georgia, to Frank and Helen Hartley.
Frank grew up with a strong work ethic and a huge love for his country. After graduating High School, Frank entered the Marine Corp where he proudly served for four years.
After serving, he went to work at Uniroyal for over 20 years and then went to work for the State of Alabama as a Correctional Officer in several prisons.
Outside of work, Frank enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a faithful member of Fairfax Methodist Church. He loved Jesus, his church family and his pastor. Frank served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and was chairman of several committees for many years. Frank also was a huge sports fan.
He loved Alabama football and was known to tell countless stories about Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was a great storyteller.
Frank is survived by his son Maxon “Gene” Hartley of Valley, step-Son Terrell Barrington (Christy) of Beulah, niece Wanda Freeland (Robert) of Orange Beach, nephews Buddy Maddox (Paula) of Beulah, Ben, Tim, and Mike Hood of Louisiana, Americus, and Texas, great nieces and nephews Cliff Maddox of California, Andrew Maddox (Summer) of Auburn, Vanna Johnson( Brandon) of Auburn, along with a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren and a special friend and Care-giver Judy McManus.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank Sr. and Helen Hartley, wives Mary Moncrief Hartley and Jackie Tillery Hartley, both of Valley, and sister Gale Chance of South Florida.
Funeral services for Frank will be held, 11:00 A.M. (EST), Monday, September 14, 2026, at Fairfax Methodist Church, Valley, Alabama.
Interment will follow immediately after the service at Oakwood Cemetery, Lanett, Alabama.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. (EST) until 8:00 P.M. (EST), Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for any donations to be made to Hope Haven in Valley, Alabama or to Fairfax Methodist Church in memory of Mr. Frank.
Please visit Frank’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, share a memory of Frank, or light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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