Jeremiah Wagner Hartley died Jan. 1, 2019. He was born March 22, 1984 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Wilton (Bill) Pickett, and aunt, Karen Hartley Skipper.
He is survived by his wife, Tiffany Kraha Hartley, and newborn son, Jamison Wagner Hartley. Other family members include his parents, Jim and Johanna Hartley; sisters, Brianne Hartley Hager and Taylor Hartley (Harrison) Bostwick; grandparents, Jim and Jeaneine Hartley and Janette Pickett; uncle William Phillip (Pam) Pickett; aunts, Deborah Pickett and Leesa Hartley (David) Rompre; and nephew, Bryson Hager.
He graduated from Red Bank High School, where he was known as Toad, in 2002 and was the Chattanooga Lookouts’ mascot while earning his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Upon graduation, he entered Marine Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Va. and was pinned a Second Lieutenant in 2007. He ascended to the rank of Captain in the United States Marine Corp, while serving several tours in the Middle East. After leaving the Corps with honors, he received his master of business administration from UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business. He worked at Lance Snyder and Red Ventures in Charlotte, N.C. before purchasing a farm in Clover, S.C., where he raised rescue dogs, goats, chickens and miniature pigs. Working with his animals on his farm gave him peace and joy. His family gave him the nickname of Dr. Doolittle because of his sweet nature with animals of all kinds.
Jeremiah was a gregarious person, who made everyone around him smile. He was loyal, trustworthy and put his family first. He was overjoyed about the impending birth of his only son, who joined the family five days after his death. His family loved him every day he was on this Earth, are comforted by the knowledge that he always knew it and will miss him every day.
Memorial service arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Bratton Funeral Home in York, S.C. is serving the Hartley family.