Gordon L. Hartley, 79, of Jacksonville, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018. Gordon was born on June 1, 1939, in Yakima, Washington, to the late Myrtle Armina “Mina” Bowers and Leslie B. Hartley. Mina later married Harold “Pop” R. Williams.
Gordon enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 17. He went on to serve 22 years as an Aircraft Mechanic, Flight Engineer and Flight Engineer Instructor based in England, Asia and the U.S.
While stationed in Texas he met Becky Logan of Breckenridge. After dating for just 89 days, they were married. They went on to defy the naysayers who said it would never last and enjoyed 51 happy years. As a husband he was devoted, loving and extremely proud of his wife and their life together. He had no qualms about expressing his love for his wife and his family.
Gordon served three tours of duty in Vietnam, during which time he earned and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for, according to the official Citation, “extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Flight Engineer at Bu Dop, Republic of Vietnam on November 29, 1969.” On that day, he and his crew successfully delivered urgently needed ammunition during intense ground fire. “The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hartley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
Gordon was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Presidential Unit Citation, among many other awards, citations and honors. Gordon and Becky were longtime supporters and members of the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, and Gordon served as President from 2006-2013.
After retiring from the Air Force, Gordon worked for Golf Cars of Arkansas; for himself, as a small business owner by establishing “Gordon’s Repair;” and later for Jacksonville Parks and Recreation. When he retired from working, he volunteered at the Pharmacy at the Little Rock Air Force Base hospital. He greatly enjoyed his work, co-workers, being part of the community and the many friends he met along the way.
Gordon enjoyed traveling with his wife Becky to military events around the country and getting together with family for delicious meals, which often including his grilled ribs and some of the spiciest cuisine in existence. As a former stock car racer, he almost always had a NASCAR race playing in the background.
As a father he was extremely proud of his children. They grew up to be happy, independent, successful and loving - and no one could ask for more. Gordon enjoyed bragging on the culinary skills of both his daughter, Samantha, and son, Gordon II, as they received their training in Paris, France. Through genealogy research he discovered and connected with long lost relatives around the country.
Gordon will be remembered and respected for his deep patriotism, straightforward honesty, cheerful personality, kindness, generosity, dedication to his friends and neighbors and unique sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 51 years, Becky; daughter, Samantha Hartley Carrick, and her husband, Christopher Carrick, of Massachusetts; son, Gordon Hartley II, and his wife, Marina Boudilina, and grandson, Gordon Hartley III, of Maumelle; sister Susie Cortez, and her husband Pete Cortez; sister, Deanne Chairez; and 14 nieces and nephews in Washington.
A Celebration of Remembrance will be held Friday, October 19, 2018, 10:00 am, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, North Little Rock, followed by a committal service with full military honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, P. O. Box 6954, Sherwood, Arkansas 72124.
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