Lyons Mourns Loss of Former City Councilman
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City of Lyons officials are mourning the loss of former city administrator and councilman Rick Hartley, who passed away on Saturday, October 26.
Hartley was originally from Wheeler County, and even graduated from Wheeler County High School in 1965. After graduating, Hartley joined the U.S. Navy, where he served in the Vietnam War alongside the U.S. Marines as a medic. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1973 with a degree in Environmental Health, then earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Georgia Southern University in 1991.
He spent 25 years as a county extension agent for Emanuel and Toombs Counties before retiring and becoming the Lyons City Administrator. He served in this position for 12 years before retiring again, and becoming a city councilman for two terms.
Mayor Willis Ne-Smith Jr. spoke on the loss of Hartley, saying, “I am heartbroken over the loss of Rick. He was always true to his heart and beliefs, embodying what it means to serve his family and this community. From a young age, Rick played a significant role in my life, whether through 4-H, playing ball with [his son] Lance, or guiding me as I navigated my new role as a city councilman. I will truly miss our conversations, especially how he always took the time to ask about my family. Hearing his stories about my father and the deep bond they shared were some of my favorite moments; it was clear how much he missed him.”
He added, “Rick's absence will be felt profoundly, but what he meant to this community will be missed even more. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us all. You will be deeply missed, Rick.”
Councilman John Moore Jr. shared similar sentiments, as he commented, “Rick Hartley’s remarkable contributions to the City of Lyons have left an indelible mark on our community. As both City Administrator and Councilman, he served with unwavering dedication, always prioritizing the needs and well-being of our city. His commitment and tireless efforts set a standard that will be hard to match. While many may not have fully recognized the extent of his contributions, those of us fortunate enough to work alongside him are profoundly grateful for his dedication and service to our city, as well as the deep passion he had for it. Rick’s legacy is one of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of collaborating with him and by those whose lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
City Manager Jason Hall recounted his first time meeting Hartley. “When I moved to Lyons in 2013, I was introduced to Rick, as I needed help navigating some of the challenges of my new position. He was extremely helpful and contributed to many of the successes I had in the first few years of my career. In 2020, when Rick announced his run for city council, he met with me to discuss why he decided to run. He was a wealth of knowledge and always quick with an opinion on matters. We often argued on the opposite side, but he was more than willing to listen to opposing opinions,” Hall remarked.
Hall stated that he and Hartley shared several great memories together, but throughout everything, two things about Hartley stood out. “Two things always impressed me about Rick. One, he was not too big of a man to withhold an apology when it was warranted. Second, he was a man who offered help without the need for fanfare,” Hall emphasized. “ I remember when Rick called me one day to give my son, who was playing golf at the high school, a golf club he ‘bought but didn't like.’ This was the same club I had mentioned to him weeks earlier that my son had seen at a retailer and was thinking about purchasing. I offered to purchase it and was quickly told that my son could get more use of it than he ever could. I count Rick as a friend and I regret never taking him up on the many golf games he invited me to play. I always figured he was a lot better golfer than he made himself out to be. Rick will be sorely missed.”
Hartley will be honored with a memorial service at the Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 30, at 3 p.m. before being laid to rest in the Edge Memorial Gardens in Glenwood.
