Edward J. Bartlett

Edward J. Bartlett, 83, of Savannah, died March 29, 2005, at his residence under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc. Edward J. Bartlett was once quoted as saying, "Education is a life process. If one stops getting education, the world will pass him by." It is not surprising he has a school that bears his name- Edward Bartlett Middle School. Considering his lifelong commitment to education, Mr. Bartlett has evidently lived by this credo in his work life as well as his personal life. Born in Los Angeles, California on September 22, 1921 Mr. Bartlett attended Los Angeles public schools, where he would one day also teach. He attended the University of Southern California, where he received his B.S. and Master's Degree in Education and Business Administration. In September 1941, he entered the Navy as an aviation cadet, receiving his Navy wings in June 1942. He served as a Navy pilot in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific theaters. In 1951 Ed and Ev Bartlett mo ved to Savannah where he became the Training Director for Union Bag. Later, he was promoted to Manager of Industrial & Public Relations and held this position until his retirement from Union Camp in 1987. His contributions to his company and the industry were many. He was considered an exceptional recruiter, trainer and advisor. Ed was an extraordinary labor relations administrator. Throughout his career and during his retirement he continued to serve his community. Most notably he served as President of the Savannah -Chatham Board of Education for two terms, from 1959 until 1961. He was instrumental in seeing a $6 million school bond referendum passed in 1960 and his administration was credited with progress unequaled in the history of the local school system. In 1961, Edward J. Bartlett Junior High School was officially dedicated in his honor. The new school was a controlled environment structure and the first of its kind ever planned in the State of Georgia. In 1965, he was appoint ed General Chairman of United Community Services. While he served as General Chairman, UCS surpassed its fund raising goals every year. He served his last term as General Chairman in 1974. Most notably, he brought Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire to Savannah. He saw a need in the community for services to people with disabilities and laid the groundwork to invite Goodwill Industries to open a branch in Savannah. Since its inception in 1965, Mr. Bartlett assisted the corporation in its growth and led the organization through its move to its current location on Sallie Mood Dr. Edward J. Bartlett is well known for his philanthropy and willingness to chair boards of local non-profit organizations, civic clubs and other agencies, including Vice President of Chatham Savannah Association (1953-1958), Telfair Academy of Arts Board Member (1956); the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Award of Appreciation (1958); Candler Hospital Board Member (1973-1995); Chairman, Georgia Subsequent Injury Trust Fund (1977-2001); Boy Scouts of America Board Member (1985); Chairman of Candler Hospital Board (1992-1996); and Trustee for Georgia Hospital Association (1996); He has received the Herschel V. Jenkins Award (1959), the Exchange Club "Golden Deeds" Awards (1961); Armstrong State Alumni Association Outstanding Citizen Award (1978); Candler LifeCare Wing named in his honor in 1999; Goodwill Hall of Fame Award in (1992); Mr. Bartlett was also the first Inductee in the Goodwill Hall of Fame in (2002); and an Inductee in the Savannah Business Hall of Fame(2003). Mr. Bartlett is preceded in death by a grandson David Perry. Mr. Bartlett is survived by wife, Evelyn Bartlett; three daughters and son-in-law, Susan Bartlett, Karen Bartlett, all of Savannah, Faye and Greg Adams of Jacksonville; five Grandchildren, Will Perry, Bart Perry, Gregory Adams, and Matthew Adams. Visitation: Wednesday 5:00pm-7:00 p.m. at Hubert C. Baker Funeral Home. Funeral Services: Thursday 11:00 a.m. at S t. Thomas Episcopal Church 2 St. Thomas Ave. with Father Richard Nelson Officiating. Internment will follow in Greenwich Cemetery. Rememberances can be made to: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2 St. Thomas Ave. Savannah GA 31406; Goodwill Industries 7220 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah GA 31406; or Hospice Savannah, Inc PO Box 13190 Savannah GA 31416. Hubert C. Baker Funeral Home 7415 Hodgson Memorial Dr Savannah GA 31406 912-927-1999 Savannah Morning News, March 30, 2005 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com