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David Bartley Obituary

David Bartley departed on Friday, March 23, 2012 following a brief illness.Born in Columbus, Ohio on December 17, 1952, he moved to Bradenton in 1956. He was raised by parents Paul W. Bartley and Ruth H. Bartley.David was a 1970 graduate of Manatee High and he attended Manatee Jr. College. David began his photography career with his father at Paul Bartley Photography and he became a nationally known and acclaimed photographer specializing in the pageant and fashion industries. He had studios in Bradenton, Nashville, Tenn., and Little Rock, Ark. David was civic minded as evidenced by his membership in the Bradenton Jaycees and the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society. He was a Crewe Member, served on the Board of Directors and won awards including the coveted W.D. Sugg Award for Outstanding Conquistador. David was best known for his love of life, his big smile, sense of humor and willingness to help anyone.His survivors include the love of his life, Dudley Caroline Leigh, son Brian (Amber) Bartley of Franklin, Tenn.; his daughter Allison (Michael) Robison of Austin, Texas.; and their mother, his friend Susan Ryan Sledd of Spring Hill, Tenn; and seven Grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Bartley sisters Linda McKinney of Bradenton and Becky (Mark) Painter of Jacksonville, Fla.; and three nieces.There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life at a later date. Friends are asked, in lieu of flowers, to consider donations to the "David Bartley Memorial Trust Fund", c/o Bank of America, P.O. Box 31900, Tampa, Fl. 33631-3900, the proceeds of which will be distributed to David's favorite charities.Please email your memories to [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bradenton Herald on Mar. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Bartley

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Fr. Amaro Saumell

July 23, 2023

I doubt if this would mean much to readers, but Paul and David did a lot of shoots for me back in the day when everybody knew everybody in Bradenton. I was a musician back theb and sang at many of the night spots along the cost. Tonight, I was just being nostalgic and looking things up and came across this obituary. Both Paul and David were part of "old Bradenton," and helped build it's character. David continued with the Bartley mantle. This was a sad discovery. God bless them all

Rev. Amaro Saumell

Deborah (Lineberger) Barker

April 24, 2012

I was sorry to hear of David's passing. I did not know him well, but the few interactions we had, he was always so kind and thoughtful. I know he is in a better place and his family will again be with him.

Karen (Schmid) Morgan

April 13, 2012

Dudley and Susan- I am not on facebook and just learned of David's passing. It is so hard to believe. He was so full of life and such fun. In recent years I only visited with him at 1970 class reunions but enjoyed our conversations. My heart goes out to you, Dudley. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. You will be together again.

Rick Longbrake

April 3, 2012

A Tribute To A Great Man, Loving Father and Treasured Friend. A smile brighter than the Florida sunshine and a zest for life! Our kids grew up together, we're like family, maybe even closer. Will always remember our Boy Scout campouts with Brian and John.
A man's best Legacy is his family left behind. Knowing Brian and Allison as well as I do is proof enough for me! In our memories, you shall forever live brother David. May God grant us all inner peace and understanding at a time so difficult as this.

March 30, 2012

Dudley~ I want you to know that Kenny and I are with you and not far away. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you at this devastating time. Your "Other Sis"~ Karen

Divine Love

Jesse Johnson

March 29, 2012

Always there

Jesse Johnson

March 29, 2012

Fun times with David

Jesse Johnson

March 29, 2012

Divine Love

Jesse Johnson

March 29, 2012

Every November, for as long as I can remember, Paul Bartley, helped round up the "Johnson five" ..The picture featured on the thousands of Christmas cards my Dad, Charlie Johnson,(Tropicana) and wife Barbara sent out. My Dad worked three jobs at one time, besides Public relations for over thirty years at Tropicana. Other jobs included, "worm farming", and of course The Bradenton Herald, where he met Paul, David's Dad. They were best of friends, Paul was always there to record the special moments in our lives. David and I have known each other for many years, I, always a little intimidated by his truely genius eye for beauty...but forever will be inspired by his unforgetable talent. Dudley, the divine joy you were able to share with David is just that DIVINE..my heart goes out to you and all of
David's family and friends...we didn't know how lucky we were to have David in our lives. Rest assured, he is still there and will always be with us! Jesse, (Janie), Johnson

Gary Sweetman

March 28, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to Ruth and the family.

(Mr.) Dana Rosengard

March 28, 2012

David was truly an icon in pageantry and I'm proud to have sat before his camera. He was persistent in his pursuit of the perfect picture. I'm happy to report he got that of me: twice (the first attached here, circa 1992). I respected him and was glad to once call him my friend. Peace to his soul and his loved ones left behind.

Tom & Bunni (Branch) Carroll

March 27, 2012

Remembering David not only as a classmate, but also as our wedding photographer 33 years ago. Dudley, as a member of that wedding party, you may remember how David, with his good nature, humored Tom over his insistence on having an outdoor "Florida" photo under that palm tree at Trinity United Methodist. I'm so glad he did take the photo, as it is our favorite, and we have remembered him often over the years because of it. We love you Dudley, and we are praying for you, his family, and his friends during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

JJ Smith

March 27, 2012

I will always treasure my memories of going with so many of my pageant beauties who were always so excited to be photographed by the best in the business--David Bartley. To this day, so many still treasure their "David Bartley's"--a name synonymous with excellence. He was a beautiful soul whom I will always fondly remember.

Patty Kemp Rex

March 27, 2012

My Dearest Dudley, my heart weeps for you and David's family. I just loved him to pieces. He was always SO much fun and didn't have a mean bone in his body. What will we do without him?

Love,
Patty Kemp Rex

Carol Featherstone

March 27, 2012

What a wonderful photographer he was and always made the pageant girls feel so special. He will certainly be missed!
Carol Featherstone, Mount Holly, NC

Nipal Bellmonde (Romeo) Mrs. Texas 1991

Nipal Bellmonde

March 27, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting David during my reign at Mrs. Texas America 1991. I too remember his huge smile and deep heartfelt laughter. Rest in Peace my friend.

Tammy Farling

March 26, 2012

Dudley I am truly sorry for your loss. David's kindness shinned through with everything he did and all the projects around the house here to make Miranda and myself feel at home. He put a lot of care into her room and our dinning room so that we could have a real Thanksgiving. We will miss David and we are here for whatever you might need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of David's family.

Richard Trapp

March 26, 2012

Ruth, Linda and Becky- I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I remember David as such a sweet kid, always in a good mood! Please let me know when his family and friends are going to get together, as I will try to make it.

Ann & Marc Mannino

March 26, 2012

Dudley -
I know that you didn't have the pleasure of David's company for long, but I have to believe that he was a very special man to have earned your love and respect. I thank him too, for giving back your Christmas. Love you!

March 26, 2012

Dudley, I was saddened to hear of your husband's passing. My thoughts are with you and those of your family.

Kathi (Witte) Varnadore and daughter, Jill

Jerry (Chip) Witte

March 26, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My families prayers and condolences go out to all.

March 25, 2012

David and his parents were the perfect neighbors. Always thinking and doing for others. Will always remember those rides to and from the Tampa airport he made for us, with his mom sitting in the car by his side.
Bill and Mary Lou Vicary-Reinagel.

Rachel Anglen

March 25, 2012

Our prayers of endurance and peace are with the Bartley family. David, thank you for giving me one of the greatest blessings in life, your daughter, as a best friend. I promise to remind her of how proud you would be of all of her photographs as she continues that talent you passed on to her. Love you Allison and I will be here every step of the way through both your pains from the loss and your happiness from the memories.

Jennie Alvis

March 25, 2012

Dear Brian, Allison, Susan and families, I am so sorry for your loss. You all have a special place in our (Duncan, Kaity, Jennie) hearts and our thoughts are with you. Today I am remembering David and the good times we all spent together. Thank you for sharing David and your family with us.

Gaylord Carney

March 25, 2012

Dear Bartley Family,

When you think of an active achieving fellow, given to true friendship, happy and sharing, glad to see you, warm smile, there for you guy, ever handsome, gallant in and out of armor, loving family man,and so much more...

Your David is at the top!

A Bradenton acorn that knew his talent and grew in his craft well beyond the hamlet of West Bradenton..

This morning's shock for his many friends is match with sorrow and prayers for your David....

Thank you for sharing through many summers your acorn of special measure!

Jan Rumberger

March 25, 2012

David threw me a life line when I needed one, and for that I'll always be indebted to him. My deepest sympathy to the many people he loved in his life. He cherished you all.

Gary Guthrie

March 25, 2012

David, You were such a talented photographer. You made memories that will last a lifetime for the Manatee High Class of 1969 reunions. Your picture are still up on our website. I am so sorry we weren't able to take that one more ride. You will be truly missed.

Michael Robison

March 25, 2012

David, I love you! Thank you for the greatest gift in the entire world...Your beautiful daughter. I am a better man, husband, father, pastor and leader because of you. Thanks for believing in me, loving me and challenging me even step of the way. You know I will make sure your legacy lives on. Your grandkids are already missing their grandpa! We love you more than words will ever express.

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