Prenith L. “Bob” Bartley of Winchester, Virginia departed this life on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center.

He leaves a devoted family and a legion of friends in Winchester as well as nationally and internationally. He is survived by his wife, Carole O’Rourke Bartley of 62 years, and his daughter, Linda B. Johnson and husband, George C. Johnson, Jr. Also surviving are numerous nephews and cousins. A brother, Arnold James Bartley, Jr., and infant sister, Opal Bartley and sister, Noris Wilson, preceded him in death as did his parents, Arnold, and Dollie Bain Bartley. Bob was born in Dunham, Kentucky, on October 18, 1931. He was a member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board on several occasions.

Bob was a Mason and a member of Winchester Hiram Lodge #21 and served as Master of the Lodge. He was also High Priest and Commander as well as District Deputy. He was the President of the Winchester Shrine Club for two terms and President of the Front Royal Shrine Club for one term. He also belonged to the Winchester Moose 1283, Winchester Elks Lodge 867, and Winchester Virginia Eagles Club 824.

Mr. Bartley owned and operated several businesses, including Bartley Shoe Repair and Orthopedic Shops in Winchester which was established in 1947, Hess Shoe Store, Grimm’s Shoe Service, owner and operator of Triangle Diner, Bartley Commercial and Residential Real Estate Development, Bartley Investments L.C., Jim’s Window Cleaning Service, and numerous other small businesses. He developed real estate in Winchester, Virginia; Cumberland, Maryland; Martinsburg, West Virginia, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands – West Indies and Aruba where he maintained winter homes. Bob grew up in Gore, Virginia and was the son of hardworking parents.

Bob devoted much of his adult life to public service helping youth. He served over 50 years with Optimist International in different capacities. He served three terms as Lt. Governor. He was a Distinguished Governor and served as the chief administrative officer of all Optimist clubs and Optimist members in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and parts of West Virginia. He served two terms in the international office in St. Louis, Missouri assisting with the management policies for the entire international organization. He also served as a moderator at two International Conventions in Canada and Florida.

Mr. Bartley was also active in local and state politics. He was manager for two successful city council members and treasure for another. Bob also served as a member of the airborne team that traveled throughout Virginia, that helped elect Senator George Allen.
Winchester City Council appointed Bob to the Downtown Development Board where he served two terms as Chairman. During this time, he assisted with the development of the Loudoun Street Mall streetscape and secured an EDA Grant of $100,000 to remodel the upper floor of the old courthouse. He was successful in securing a lease with the United States Postal Service for one of his properties on the Loudoun Street Mall which has provided a much-needed service there for over 40 years and was dedicated in memory of Patsy Cline. Facade improvements, upper floor development of apartments, low interest loans for development of properties in Old Town, naming the district Old Town, and bringing the Bluemont Concert Series to the city are some of the many things he established during his term. He was the first person to develop his upper floor properties in Old Town into apartments. Other successful property owners thought it was a serious mistake but, now many others have developed their upper floors, and they are in great demand.

The Bartley family donated a lot to build the first home in Winchester for Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity.

Upon retirement, Bob’s daughter, Linda Johnson, bought Bartley Shoe Repair and Orthopedic Shops from her parents and continued the businesses another 12 years, thereby conducting about 60 years of family businesses in Old Town. Linda continues to manage the family businesses as she has for many years.

Bob also opened and supervised chain restaurants in Virginia, Maryland, Florida and Washington, D.C. In Washington, D.C. he supervised seven large chain restaurants operating 24 hours daily, seven days per week. His first job after graduation was with the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he advanced from a GS-2 to a GS-7 in three years. He then began his career in restaurant management.

People who knew Bob best considered him a renaissance man and visionary because of his many talents and interests. He was a world traveler and song writer. He enjoyed writing music, both lyrics and melodies, and REGISTER/COPYRIGHTED over 175 songs. Over 25 of his songs were recorded by semi-professional musicians, including After the Lovin’s Over, It Hurts to See You Cry, I’m Coming Home, Seedy Side of Town and many more. Jay Daniels, a professional with a syndicated music show, in numerous countries and states, has recorded some of Bob’s songs, including Come into My World, and I Remember You. Bob taught himself drafting and enjoyed designing two of his homes and many more of his commercial and residential properties. Bob was a proficient reader of history and biographies. He enjoyed dancing and had a good sense of humor. Bob wrote numerous business-related articles that were published nationally and several poems. He also received numerous write-ups in National Publication about his unique business successes. In business and voluntary work, Bob believed strictly in the Golden Rule, devoted his life to it and began and ended every day by giving thanks to the Lord. He attributed his success to the Grace of the Lord, the assistance of his wise and understanding wife, daughter, parents and the many wonderful people he met along the highway of life.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A funeral service will be held the following day on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11am at The Village at Orchard Ridge. Entombment at Shenandoah Memorial Park will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry Evans Children’s Home, 330 E. Leicester Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601, Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite #405, Winchester, VA 22601, or a favorite charity of the donor’s choice.