What your peers and colleagues say about you is a testament to the life that you’ve lived. For retired Duval County Public School teacher and former Sandalwood football coach Dennis Bartley, his life was certainly a testament to his character. Said current Sandalwood High School Football Coach Adam Geis, “Coach Bartley was as perfect of a man as you can get. Strong, good, kind, compassionate, and giving”. Bartley passed away this week at the age of 64, shocking loved ones along with former players and fellow coaches.
He was a standout linebacker at Sandalwood where he earned a scholarship to play college football at Central Missouri. After college, he returned home and coached wrestling and football at the school for years. In honor of his dedication, the school would affectionately name the field after him in 2016.
Known for his passion and enthusiasm for sports, Bartley was known for motivating through his tireless work ethic and fiery yet faith centered words. He would yell and scream all without saying one curse word. He coined several phrases over decades of coaching including, “Drive..Drive…Drive” or ” Show some stinkin pride”. Pride is how he lived his life, it showed in his faithfulness to his family, his faith and football.
In honoring Dennis Bartley, one of his former colleagues in coaching Dave McConnell and men-tee in coaching Ricky Hicks shared heartfelt tributes to him. We feature them below.
Dave McConnell (Coach Greenville High (Ga)
Today while I was in a Zoom meeting for school my phone starts blowing up with the horrible news of the the death of Coach Dennis Bartley. I had the honor of coaching Defense with Coach Bartley 5 years at Sandalwood High School. In four (4) of those five (5) years we won the District with a defense that held opponents to less than 7 points a game.
We were 52-8 in our games together. We had some fun winning that many games! What great memories!
Some of my favorite Coach Bartley stories are as follows:
- One of his favorite sayings, “Do your stinking job!”
- One time a student asked him, “Coach Bartley, what is your first name,” Coach Bartley answered, “Coach!”
- When we had the football alumni game in the middle ’90s, Coach Bartley said he was going to play a “few plays.” He basically played every play and was bringing the wood.to people!
- How he stood in Eric Fayson’s hospital room and cried uncontrollably when he first saw Eric, the Saturday morning after his injury! (Eric passed away from his injuries on the football field)
- In summer camp in 1994 we were practicing and Coach (Bob) Withrow said “all right best on best”. They ran a couple of plays and we had one more to go. One of the inside linebackers got hurt, Coach Withrow said we had to play with 10. So Coach Bartley makes the tackle! Defensive guys went crazy!
- When we beat Fletcher in ’94 on the famous Reggie Allen to Larry Salls throwback Touchdown Pass! During the week in practice we never completed that pass. Coach Bartley looked @ me and said “I hope we don’t need that to win!” Right before halftime when Coach Withrow called that play, we both looked @ each other and kinda shrugged, when Larry caught the TD, Coach Bartley said, “I told you it would work!”
Dennis Bartley was a great Coach, Teacher, Father, and Husband! I am a better man because I got the chance to coach with him! I”ll miss you & I LOVE YOU! Rest in Peace, You are one of the best ever. With the utmost respect!
Ricky Hicks Lee High School Defensive Coordinator (Jax, FL)
“Tears are still in my eyes. Coach Bartley you gave me an opportunity after things didn’t work out for me in college to step my feet into coaching. I have the same intensity that you had. As I received this picture from Brian Martin class of 87 wrestling team I’m in your shadow. Thanks for everything you did for me . I just can’t shake this feeling off right now cause it hurt so bad knowing that your gone. You have your wings now . Job well done”.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am, Wed. May 27 in the Serenity Chapel, 6665 New Kings Rd. Coach Bartley will rest for loved ones and friends on Tues., May 26 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Northside Chapel and Wed., from 9:00am until the hour of service in the chapel. Interment will be in the Palm Springs Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 concerns, Home Going Services are limited to immediate family only. You may live stream the services at www.facebook.com/sarahlcartersfuneralhome/live/
