Timothy Russell Bartlett

April 1, 1960 – September 9, 2024

Timothy Russell Bartlett, 64, passed peacefully on September 9 with his beloved wife, Wendy,
and daughter, Jessi Kate, by his side. He lived a wonderfully practical life that was, in his own
words, “an ordinary life well lived.” He was a loving son, brother, friend, husband, and daddy.
Tim was born on April 1, 1960, to Peggy Sue and Billy Joe Bartlett in Birmingham, Alabama,
and was funny and quick-witted as his April Fool’s birthday would suggest. Although it was rare
for Tim to laugh out loud, one of his greatest gifts was making others laugh and smile. His dry
sense of humor was a blessing until his final days, where he kept his friends entertained on his
back porch with conversations, laughter, and of course, beer. Tim used to say his favorite beer
was anything “cold and wet.” However, in his later years, he really enjoyed darker beers – ready
to share a “Sweet Josie Brown” or “Edmund Fitzgerald” on his porch with whomever joined him.
Tim grew up in Greensboro, NC, from 1968-1976 before his family relocated to Winston-Salem
in 1976, as Tim was entering his junior year at RJR Senior High School. He completed high
school while also working a 40 hour per week co-op job stocking shelves at Food World. He
graduated in 1978 and entered UNC-Chapel Hill that fall where he earned a Bachelor of
Science in Business Administration in 1982. He worked odd jobs for a short time before
returning to school at UNC-Greensboro for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He worked for
Salem Leaseway before later taking a job as a business systems analyst with Novant Health,
spending the majority of his career there until retiring in July of 2019.
A Tarheel to his core, Tim was a collector and had a knack for holding onto obscure things that
might have a future use and value. Among his rarities was an unopened commemorative Coke
bottle from UNC-CH’s 1982 NCAA basketball championship. Tim’s garage is a treasure trove of
various items, from 1970s LPs to reclaimed wood to miscellaneous tools and plumbing supplies.
All you had to do was ask, and he could tell you if he had the item in his garage and exactly
where it was. Also in his garage, you could find his 1966 Pontiac Lemans convertible. On
beautiful fall days, he would take his family on rides around the county.
He met Wendy in 2003, then in 2005, at the age of 45, he married her and her little boy, Jacob.
A year later, the family welcomed the light of his world, Jessi Kate. Tim wore many hats as a
daddy – chef (everyone knew to stay out of his kitchen – even the dog), master T-shirt folder,
beach cart hauler, marching band prop builder extraordinaire, and grill master. He was gifted at
gathering good friends for food and fellowship, hosting two annual parties – “Dirty Santa” and
“Kentucky Derby” – that his friends eagerly anticipated every year. He loved gathering around a
fire pit with friends, sharing stories, solving the world’s problems, and spending time with those
he loved. He was always one to dispense wise advice – “scan and plan” while driving – be
prepared for the other guy to not be paying attention. He was a master at frugality, always
believing if you “watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.” His thrifty tips
sometimes meant filling multiple cars at one gas pump to maximize the gallons purchased at a
discount he had discovered. A family man at heart, Tim lived Mother Teresa’s quote – “If you
want to change the world, go home and love your family,” and guided his kids to understand that
“you marry the family, not just the person.”
In retirement through his final days, Tim loved to start his day in quiet contemplation over a cup
of coffee and then finish his day in reflection over a beer. He was a devoted son. He was a loyal
friend. He valued financial independence and prided himself on providing love, security and
opportunity to his children. He believed in creating your heaven on earth.
Tim was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Cretie Leon and Jesse “Adus” Smith,
paternal grandparents Nellie and Homer Bartlett, and father Billy Joe Bartlett. He is survived by
spouse Wendy Bartlett, daughter Jessi Kate Bartlett, stepson Jacob Wuwert, mother Peggy Sue
Bartlett, and brothers Bill Bartlett, David Bartlett, Norman Bartlett (Janet), Daniel Bartlett
(Melissa), nieces Sara Bartlett, Leah Bartlett, and nephews Ethan Bartlett and Luke Bartlett.
Tim was a dedicated blood donor, having donated 15 gallons over his lifetime. In lieu of gifts or
flowers, Tim asks that you consider following his lead in becoming a Red Cross blood donor.
You can join team “Uno Mas for Tim” and donate in his honor by searching for his team name in
the Red Cross mobile app under ”Impact” or via this link:
https://redcrossblood.app.link/jointeam-66e19d7d5a67c/77515.
On Saturday, September 14, receiving of friends and family will be held from 12:30 – 2:30 pm at
First Presbyterian Church 300 N Cherry St, Building B. From 3:30 – 5:30 pm “Uno Mas” Toast to
Tim – A Time of Celebration and Storytelling will be held at Foothills Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell
Drive.

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