Ernest Clyde Bartles, age 80, of Lenoir passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Amorem Hospice of Valdese. He was born January 25, 1945 in Rutherford County to the late Ralph Livingston Bartles and Violet Smith Bartles. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one sister-in-law, Martha Rebecca Davis.

Ernest loved the one who saved him, Jesus Christ and he wanted to share his faith with others, he accomplished this by teaching the word at Sunday School and Bible Study along with he and Brenda volunteering for mission work around the world and at home. He was very active in his church at Lower Creek Baptist Church and later Lenoir First Wesleyan Church.

Ernest also enjoyed traveling with Brenda, Lance, Logan and Sawyer. His favorite trips were to the Holy Land. He was a very talented artist, he especially loved drawing cartoons, some were even published. He attended NC State University and Appalachian State University. Prior to retirement he worked as security for Boyhill Furniture for over 40 years.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda Swanson Bartles; one son, Lance Bartles; one sister, Catherine Pressley and husband Dr. Stephen Pressley; two beloved grandsons, Logan Bartles and Sawyer Bartles; one brother-in-law, Robert Davis; and a host of nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Stephen Pressley, Rev. James Baker, and Chaplin Myer Dahn officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Chatlin, James Davis, Ben Wooten, Roger Smith, David Smith, and David Bartles.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Bartles family.