JOSEPH DEAN "JOE" BARTEE, 64, beloved husband of Darinda Certa "Dee" Bartee, died Saturday, September 19, 2009 at his residence.
Born in San Antonio, TX, Joe grew up in Vinton, LA and was a son of the late James Everett and Ed Mae Reed Bartee. He had lived in Aiken for 18 years and was retired as a project manager with the Washington Group International. Joe was a master class of conventional pistols and an avid golfer. He was a member of Cedar Creek Church, the Midlands Astronomy Club and the Augusta Astronomy Club. Joe designed and built, with the help of his family, his own observatory.
The most important part of Joe's life was his family. He was proud of being a husband, father and grandfather. Love was never lacking for his family; they were his heart, his life and his soul, each having their own special place.
There were so many people that touched Joe's life. His family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Donald C. Townsend and his staff, at the Medical Oncology Associates of Augusta, that were always there to take care of him and share so many times with hugs, smiles and laughter. You will never know what you have meant to his family. Joe attributed Dr. Guido Tricot of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah for enabling him to have many quality years while battling Multiple Myeloma.
There is not enough space to list each one he loved and held dear. There are many people that are special to Joe and you know who you are.
Survivors, in addition to his beloved wife of 29 years, Dee, include a daughter, Dana Bartee Greg Arthur, Aiken, three sons, Scott Wendy Bartee, Crosby, TX, Kevin Judy Bartee, Aiken, SC and Jason Bartee, Orlando, FL, seven grandchildren, Ariel, Reed and Alexa Arthur, Hunter and Brittany Bartee and Bret and Mitchell Mayfield, a sister, Rhonda Bartee, Nokomis, FL, a brother, Roger Bartee, Charleston, SC, and his "Best Friend" his yorkie Abner. Joe is also survived by his loving mother in law, Jimmie L. Certa Feuge, his devoted aunt, Tommye Lee "Hanny" Malone; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., September 26, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with Reverend Rob Tibbitts of Crossroads Baptist Church in Vinton, Louisiana officiating. Burial will follow at Reed Cemetery in Vinton, Louisiana.
Visitation will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr., Ste., 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421.
Please visit the online guest register at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com .