A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 8 at Irmo Town Park.
Paul was born August 15, 1946 in Pikeville, KY to Truby Ratliff and Elsie Bartley. When Paul was 17 years old he followed a call of duty to Michigan where he and his Uncle Brownie were drafted in the United States Army. He served his country proudly in Korea during the Vietnam War where he attended Marksmen Training and was a mechanic. He married Sherlene Bartley before leaving for Ft. Knox, KY and they had a son, Robert Duane in 1967. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army and began a 34 year career at General Motors. In 1970, Paul and Sherlene welcomed a daughter, Donna Michelle. They lived in Michigan for over 25 years. In 1990, they welcomed the first grandson Robert and in 2002, Alexia was born to two proud grandparents!
In 1996, he married Linda Marie and retired from GM in 1998.
Paul was a fan of fast cars from an early age and adored his GTO. He enjoyed NASCAR and racing of all kinds - including attending his daughter's motorcycle races. Paul enjoyed hunting when he was younger as well as bass fishing. He was highly knowledgeable of the great outdoors and loved his coffee outside in the mornings. He was a man that could fix anything and no job was too big. He was a humble, quiet Dad that was always in thought...he observed the world in silence and a gentleman of few words.
He took on life and all its challenges with an unshakable sense of humor. He was a beloved mentor to his family and friends and anyone who knew him, he was a father figure to many.
A man that was always there for his daughter and cherished by her immensely.
He will be missed forever.
In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brother, Robert Mullins and two sisters, Madonna Newcomb, Sandy Bartley and a son, Robert Duane Bartley.
Those left to cherish his memories include Linda Marie Bartley, a daughter, Donna Michelle Bartley and two grandchildren, Robert and Alexia; and his sister, Scottie (Oklahoma).
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