June 27, 2025, 69, Goldsboro —

Kenneth Ray Bartlett, 69, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, June 27, 2025, at Wayne UNC Hospital.

Kenneth was born on April 24, 1956, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late James Bartlett and Nelda Johnson Hall. He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nettie Parker Johnson, and his aunt, Linda Johnson Mayes.

A proud veteran, Kenneth honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he pursued a successful career as a food broker and retired in 2021 from Empire Marketing Strategies.

Kenneth had a deep passion for Short Track Racing, which inspired him to create MPH Productions, a videography business dedicated to capturing and sharing the excitement of local races. He was also a lifelong music lover. In the 1970s, he played trumpet and later bass guitar with the band Midnight Sun. His hobbies also included pier fishing at the beach—his favorite place to enjoy peace and solitude.

Above all, Kenneth was a devoted family man. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud and caring father, and a deeply cherished granddaddy.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debra Singleton Bartlett; his sons, Curt Russell Bartlett and wife Ashley, and Matthew Stephen Bartlett; grandson, Harrison Bartlett; brother, Curt Troy Bartlett; and sister, Julie Bartlett Jewett.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. For those who wish to send flowers, the family kindly suggests considering a plant that can be enjoyed and nurtured after the visitation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.