Obituary for Milton Thomas Harley Sr.
A Time to Be Born
Born on July 22, 1936, in Washington, DC, son of the late Robert Thomas and Lillie Washington-Harley.
A Time to Learn
Milton Harley received his education in the public school system in the District of Columbia.
A Time to Serve
Milton started his career as Messager at Cooper and Trent a private corporation in the District of Columbia. He worked his way up the corporate ladder to become a supervisor. Leet Melbrook, LLC brought out Cooper and Trent and Milton became the manager of the Reprographics Department. During his tenure at Leet Melbrook, LLC he played on their softball team. In March 2001, after 48-years of service Milton retired from Leet Melbrook LLC.
A Time to Love
Growing up in the District of Columbia during the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s was tuff times, but when he met Bertie Marie Simms, the sparks began to fly and what prevailed was a lifetime of love. They joined in holy matrimony on July 30, 1955. They were married for 65 years. Bertie proceeded him in death. Milton was an athlete back in his day. He competed in baseball, swimming, and track and field, but excelled in all sports. An avid swimmer and, he prided himself on how fast he could run and playing baseball. With the days of competitive sports behind him he turned to weightlifting. He believed in taking care of his body. After the days of weightlifting, he turned to daily walks at Prince Georges Plaza where he would walk around the mall several times. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great (great) grandfather, and those who came into his midst he would share words of wisdom and life lessons. He always said if you want to be successful at something you had to practice, practice to be perfect and committed to the task. He had many friends, adopted sons, and daughters. Milton opened his doors to host special events at their home, like Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday Dinners, and the Harley Family Reunion. He loved to travel and the other special holiday events throughout the year.
A Time to Bloom
Milton was raised in the Catholic faith. He would go to church with Bertie. Later in life he accepted the Lord as his Savior. He would constantly talk to the Lord about life and family.
A Time to Transition
Milton Thomas Harley passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022, at the age of 85. He is survived by his (3) sons: Milton Jr (Joan); Tyrone (Sharon) and Anthony Simms; (8) grandchildren: Dionne, Milton III, Marta’, Aja, Marquis Harley, Antesha, Julia ‘Starr,’ and Anthony Jr Simms; (9) great grandchildren: Timethia, Timothy, Tatyana, Tylik Furr, Jerrell, Akeelah, Mykai Harley, and Bailey Simms-Ball; Braelyn Nicole Simms-Ball (2) great great grandchildren: Marquies Hall and Timeus King-Messiah Furr. He is also survived by (2) Sisters Paulette Cummings and Maurita Bostic; (2) Brothers: Harvey and Art Harley; (4) Sisters-in-Law: Shirley Harley, Joyce Harley, Geraldine Smith, and Helen Simms; (5) brothers-in-law: Richard Cummings, Pete Bostic, Butch Byrd, Grant Anderson, and Michael Simms, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, adopted daughters and sons, and friends.
Born on July 22, 1936, in Washington, DC, son of the late Robert Thomas and Lillie Washington-Harley.
A Time to Learn
Milton Harley received his education in the public school system in the District of Columbia.
A Time to Serve
Milton started his career as Messager at Cooper and Trent a private corporation in the District of Columbia. He worked his way up the corporate ladder to become a supervisor. Leet Melbrook, LLC brought out Cooper and Trent and Milton became the manager of the Reprographics Department. During his tenure at Leet Melbrook, LLC he played on their softball team. In March 2001, after 48-years of service Milton retired from Leet Melbrook LLC.
A Time to Love
Growing up in the District of Columbia during the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s was tuff times, but when he met Bertie Marie Simms, the sparks began to fly and what prevailed was a lifetime of love. They joined in holy matrimony on July 30, 1955. They were married for 65 years. Bertie proceeded him in death. Milton was an athlete back in his day. He competed in baseball, swimming, and track and field, but excelled in all sports. An avid swimmer and, he prided himself on how fast he could run and playing baseball. With the days of competitive sports behind him he turned to weightlifting. He believed in taking care of his body. After the days of weightlifting, he turned to daily walks at Prince Georges Plaza where he would walk around the mall several times. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great (great) grandfather, and those who came into his midst he would share words of wisdom and life lessons. He always said if you want to be successful at something you had to practice, practice to be perfect and committed to the task. He had many friends, adopted sons, and daughters. Milton opened his doors to host special events at their home, like Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday Dinners, and the Harley Family Reunion. He loved to travel and the other special holiday events throughout the year.
A Time to Bloom
Milton was raised in the Catholic faith. He would go to church with Bertie. Later in life he accepted the Lord as his Savior. He would constantly talk to the Lord about life and family.
A Time to Transition
Milton Thomas Harley passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022, at the age of 85. He is survived by his (3) sons: Milton Jr (Joan); Tyrone (Sharon) and Anthony Simms; (8) grandchildren: Dionne, Milton III, Marta’, Aja, Marquis Harley, Antesha, Julia ‘Starr,’ and Anthony Jr Simms; (9) great grandchildren: Timethia, Timothy, Tatyana, Tylik Furr, Jerrell, Akeelah, Mykai Harley, and Bailey Simms-Ball; Braelyn Nicole Simms-Ball (2) great great grandchildren: Marquies Hall and Timeus King-Messiah Furr. He is also survived by (2) Sisters Paulette Cummings and Maurita Bostic; (2) Brothers: Harvey and Art Harley; (4) Sisters-in-Law: Shirley Harley, Joyce Harley, Geraldine Smith, and Helen Simms; (5) brothers-in-law: Richard Cummings, Pete Bostic, Butch Byrd, Grant Anderson, and Michael Simms, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, adopted daughters and sons, and friends.