George Murray Hartley

George Murray Hartley, 84, of Salem, passed away Friday, September 16, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents, John Earl and Ruth Hartley, brother, John Hartley, and twin brother, Charles Hartley. George proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the LST 562 during World War II. He retired from Norfolk Southern after 44 years of service. George belonged to the DAV and VFW Post # 4318. He was a loyal member of the Roanoke Moose Lodge # 284 for many years, having earned the Fellowship Degree. He served on the Moose Grounds Crew for a number of years and enjoyed the companionship of his many friends. Some of George's favorite times were spent on the back deck enjoying the beauty of nature, a deer passing through the back yard or the birds at their feeders. He took particular delight in watching the humming birds. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 35 years, Haskell Burton Hartley; daughter, Sharon Donadio, grandchildren, Renee' MacKenzie and husband Rob, Christopher Murray Hardesty and wife Judi; great- grandchildren, Hailey Hardesty, Peyton and Willow MacKenzie, all from Florida. Also surviving are his brother, Robert Hartley and wife Margaret of Chesterfield; sister-in-law, Nancy Hartley of Salem and brother-in-law, Doug Burton of Roanoke as well as many nieces and nephews. George is also survived by his step daughters, Carol Fuller and husband, Johnny, and Bonnie Cecil; stepgrandchildren, Christina Che' Reczek, Todd Powers, Travis Powers; and six great-grandchildren all of Roanoke. Left to remember good times with George are dear friends Tom and Rosemary Palmer. Special thanks to a dear friend, Doug Woody who assisted George over the past few years. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff on 2 Main at Friendship Manor whose care and compassion helped so much in George's final days. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Troy Mays. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.