Thomas "T. B." Bartlett, Jr.

Thomas Benjamin “T. B.”  Bartlett, Jr.

Blythe, GA  – Thomas Benjamin “T.B.” Bartlett, Jr., 85, husband of the late Mary Ann Arrington, the mother of his children, entered into rest Friday morning, June 13, 2014 at The Place In Martinez. Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM Monday,  June 16, 2014 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with  Rev. Shane Padgett officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Moriah UMC Cemetery.

Being the eldest of five children born to the late Savannah Belle Beasley Bartlett and the late Thomas Benjamin Bartlett Sr, T.B. was known to his family as “The Boy”. He lived all of his life in either Richmond or Burke counties but had deep roots in Harlem.  Quitting school at a very young age to help support his family, T. B. did several different jobs until he learned to lay ceramic tile.  He perfected this skill to become one of the best tile crafters in the area, and retired only after becoming physically unable to work any longer.  Even without a formal education, he excelled because of his intelligence, hard work, and attention for detail, gaining much “life” knowledge.  T.B,’s greatest pastime was hunting and fishing, especially with his long-time friend, Billy Watts—they could catch fish out of a mud hole! People knew him as an easy going, helpful, considerate fellow with never a bad word about anyone and a loyal friend.  He loved his family above all else and was happiest in their presence. After battling physical ailments and Alzheimers for the last six years, T.B. is at peace, enjoying his family and friends in his eternal home where he will have a great catch everyday!

He is also preceded in death by his four of his children, Terry Thomas Bartlett, James Edward Bartlett, Dennis Warner Bartlett and Michael Anthony Bartlett; and all of his siblings, Pauline Bartlett, Dewey Carlton Bartlett, Gladys Hazel Gay, and William Gordon Bartlett. Survivors include the remaining four children, Patricia Ann Bartlett Lee, Johnny Wayne Bartlett, Jeannie Bartlett Long (David) and Cynthia Denise Hayes; sixteen grandchildren, Tammy Ann Gaskins, Sharon Jeanette White (Sean), William Scott Oliver, Anita Rae Moltzen, Terry “TJ” Thomas Bartlett Jr, Rachel Jean Bozzella (Grayson) Johnny Wayne Bartlett Jr, Mary Denise Bartlett, Paula Merritt, Kevin Anderson, David A. Long Jr, Sarah A. McDaniel (Corey), Tina Bartlett, Michael Anthony “BJ” Bartlett Jr, Ryan Dean Hayes and Cody Jacob Hayes; twenty-five great grandchildren, Billy, Levi, Emmett, Scottie, Bryan, Christian, Marrington, Trey, Riley, Megan, Johnny, James, Ashley, Jamie, Brittany, Joshua,  Clarence, Ford, David, Jamiaya, Shiann, Tabitha, Nikki, McKinzie, and Michael; one great-great grandson, Octavian; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Pallbearers will be his nephews—Thomas Bartlett, David Bartlett, Jessie Bartlett, Gordon Bartlett Jr, Vernon Gay and Dale Long.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Bartlett and Benjamin Gay.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1899 Central Ave, Augusta GA  30904.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00PM Sunday, June 15, 2014.
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Fisherman’s Prayer

God grant that I may live to fish for another
Shining day.
But when my final cast is made I then most
Humbly pray,
When nestled in your landing net as I lay
Peacefully asleep,
You’ll smile at me and judge that I am
Good enough to keep.

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