He graduated from Lathrop High School in Lathrop, Missouri in 1956 after lettering in football, basketball and track. Ned graduated in 1960 from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics while lettering in wrestling. Ned proudly served as an officer in the U.S. Navy on Active Duty from 1960 to 1964. He was Communications Division officer in USS NESPELEN (AOG 55) and First Division and Catapult Officer in USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62). He served as a US Navy Reserve Officer from 1964 to 1974 on Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts of the Naval Reserve. In 1965, Ned worked briefly in Marine Cargo Insurance before attending Smith College, earning a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. After interning in Chicago, Illinois, Ned moved to Bellaire, Texas where he worked as a licensed Clinical Psychiatric Social Worker until failing health caused his retirement.
Ned married Christine McMillan in 1968. This union produced one son, Jon Andrew Bartee, born on September 11, 1972. In 1993, Ned married Mary Ann Schmitt. This union produced one son, Bryan Clay Bartee, born on March 13, 2001. Ned is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Wesley and Zetta Dykes Bartee, his brother Lawrence William and wife Wanita Howard Bartee, and infant daughter Alicia Bartee.
Ned is survived by his wife Mary Ann, son CDR Jon Bartee USN (ret.) and wife Jennifer, granddaughter Joy Bartee of Whispering Pines, NC, and son Bryan Bartee, his twin brother Ted Ray Bartee and wife Jennie Wynn (Windy) of Clover, SC. He has nephews: Bill Bartee (Elizabeth), Brandon Bartee (Lindsey), Bailey Bartee (Brandi), Clay Bartee (Annie) and 9 grandnephews and grandnieces.
Memorials may be given to Boy Scout Troop 549, sponsored by ChristChurch Presbyterian, 5001 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, Texas 77401, where Ned served as Committee Chairman and both his sons participated in Scouting.