George Russell Harley

George Russell Harley, 89, of Spartanburg, died on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Lexington Community Hospice House. “GR,” as he was known to everyone, was born in Spartanburg on June 23, 1936, to the late Dorothy Rose Fike and George Asbury Harley. He attended Spartanburg High School, Carlisle Military Academy and Wofford College.

GR began his career working for the Harley Bag Company, selling bags over much of the Southeast. Later, he sold life insurance, but eventually created a successful business for himself, acquiring, leasing, and managing residential properties. Long time Spartanburg residents may remember The Sitar Club which GR owned and operated for a short while in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The Sitar hosted many popular musical artists, including the Toy Factory (which later became the Marshall Tucker Band), the Allman Brothers Band, the Tams and the Drifters, to name a few.

GR was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He was generous, always ready to help others, and easy to get along with, all of which is reflected in his motto, “Try to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.” He would go out of his way to serve others in whatever capacity he could.

GR enjoyed 47 years of happy marriage to Beverly Ann Bachelor. Together they had two children, George Russell Harley, Jr. and Mary Christine Harley. After Beverly’s passing, GR was blessed to enjoy a second happy marriage of 18 years to Barbara Jean Gardner, who survives him.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for many years where he served in a number of capacities, including driving the bus for older adult outings and advising the church’s youth fellowship group. He was a member of the Hardin Bethea Sunday School Class and a church cook team.

GR was predeceased by his two sisters, Ann Harley Poole and Patricia Harley Clement, as well as his son George. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Christine Harley Fant and Luther Franklin Fant, Jr., grandchildren Mary Harley Fant, Luther Franklin Fant, III and George Tate Fant, and great-grandson James Allen Fant. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law Patty Ann Brennan and Terry Joseph Brennan.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on December 8, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church to be followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the charity of one’s choice.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com

Floyd’s North Church Street