Daniel “Danny” “Dan” Francis Hartley

June 4, 1929 - December 13, 2020
Daniel “Danny” “Dan” Francis Hartley

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Daniel (Danny) (Dan) Francis Hartley passed on to his final resting place on December 13, 2020.

Born June 4, 1929, in Warwick, GA, the son of the late Mercy Newkirk Hartley and Ralph Laine Hartley, he was proceeded in death by his son, Daniel Francis (Frank) Hartley, Jr.; brother, Wilkings (Bill) Lodwick Hartley; sister-in-law, Gena Luzietti Hartley; sister, Florence Lois Hartley Larson and brother-in-law, MSG Melvin E. Larson of Hardy, AR; brother, Early Reeves Hartley and sister-in-law, Mary Lee Forker Hartley of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Colonial Heights, VA; and the mother of his children, Willa Mae Padgett Hartley of Holly Ridge, NC.

Surviving are his much loved daughter Diana Gayle Hartley Goldman (Roy T.) of Holly Ridge, NC, formerly Salado, TX; and grandchildren: Daniel Goldman, Scott Goldman, Summer Hartley Olmedo; Jason Hartley, Cameron Hartley, Adam Hartley; and beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Danny graduated from New Hanover High School in 1947. He was a retired Chief Warrant Officer, USAR, and retired US Civil Service employee. Always active in the political scene, he served as Mayor of North Beach, MD. 1994-1998. He moved to Brunswick County, NC, in 2005 to be near his family and friends in Wilmington, NC. He had to have a large, fenced in yard for his many canine companions. No lost or wandering animal was turned away. To honor Dan’s life, adopt a homeless animal or make a donation to a no-kill animal shelter or humane society.

No funeral will be held.

Remember Dan by his chosen epitaph:

“Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting: HOLY COW–WHAT A RIDE!” (Author Unknown)

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.


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  • December 31, 2020
    Loretta Stackhouse says:
    I remember Dan from 1980's to mid 1990's when he lived at Brookside, a condominium community in Oxen Hill, Md. I lived there also. I lost contact with Dan after he moved to North Beach, MD. We bar hopped many nights and weekends in Washington, DC. He had special relationships with some of the bar owners, so we stayed and partied in the bars after hours. Dan stayed with me with the four dogs, 2 miniature and 2 toy poodles, when there was a fire caused by the roofers. No hotel would allow four dogs. He had to cats, Muffin and "??" at the time also. I allowed him to stay as long as he did not bring the cats. I am afraid of cats. Whenever I would visit his condo, he would put the cats in the bedroom. Diana, I believe we met when you returned to the states from over seas. Germany? I moved back to Wilmington in 1995. I wish I had known Dan was in Brunswick County. My deepest sympathy to you. I will always remember him smoking his pipe, eating bread with lots of butter and bar hopping in Washington, DC.