Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada for Mr. William Russell “Will” Hartley, 18, of Grenada, who died on Saturday, March 4. The Rev. Farrell Wilson and Bro. Ricky Williamson officiated. Hon. Vince Marascalco and Mr. Richard Flautt delivered personal eulogies. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, March 6, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, March 7, at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Will was born on March 16, 2004, in Jackson, the son of Garrett and Karen Sims Hartley. He was a 2022 graduate of Kirk Academy where he played football and ran track. He was currently attending Holmes Community College. Will attended Grace Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting in his spare time.
His grandfather, Daws Sims Sr., preceded Will in death.
In addition to his parents, survivors include, his brother, Hayes Hartley; grandparents, David and Sherrye Hartley of Grenada and Margaret Sims of Marietta, Ga.; aunts and uncles, Tara and Allen Dykes and Daws Jr. and Piper Sims; his cousins, Hartley Dykes, Jillian Dykes, Reagan Sims and Kylie Sims, and his girlfriend, Skylar Hodges.
Dylan Carnathan, John Hiram Davis, Hartley Dykes, Dalton Elliott, Mitchell Madden, Reed Madden, Luke Mattox and Auston Strong honored Will by serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Kirk Academy Class of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Ronald McDonald House, 2524 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
