Edward Joseph Hartley

Edward Hartley was born in 1948 in New Jersey. In high school, Ed was an avid basketball player. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force, where he met the love of his life, June. She had traveled with a friend to Upper Heyford Air Force Base, where, after warding off offers of wine from many airmen, June’s heart was won when Ed offered her a simple bottle of Coke. She was drawn to a man who wasn’t afraid to speak up and just be himself. Ed and June were married shortly after on December 19, 1969.

Ed served as a crew chief on jet aircraft across several overseas and stateside tours. He later joined the Air National Guard at McEntire Joint National Guard Base and settled in Columbia, South Carolina, with his family. Following his retirement from the military, Ed pursued higher education, graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. He applied his degrees across several fulfilling career fields.

Answering a calling by the Lord in 2014, Ed and June sold everything they owned and relocated to Belize with just two suitcases. While in Belize, they became deeply involved in local community causes, establishing an animal rescue organization to help manage the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats.

Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, June Hartley; his children, Brian Hartley, Karyn Hartley, and Colin Hartley; and his grandchildren, Brandon Hartley, Anna Hartley, Jordan Ferris, Tyler Hartley, and Amber Hartley.

Ed was known for his outgoing personality, warmth, kindness, and great sense of humor. In his free time, he loved to fish, hunt, and play golf.

Ed’s grandchildren remember him fondly. Anna shared, “He was a man of faith who loved people unconditionally. It was a blessing to have had him in my life and to call him my grandpa.” Brandon recalled, “His smile and laugh would light up the room.” Jordan says that “he was one of the happiest people I had ever met,” and Tyler remembers his granddad “for his lighthearted spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and easygoing nature that brought joy to those around him.”

Family and friends of Edward Hartley are invited to attend his funeral service at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12th, 2026.