Ronald Stephens Linch, best known to most as Bartow or Botto, went to God Monday, May 26th, 2025 after a lengthy illness. Born and bred in the “Briar Patch,” Putnam County, Bartow attended Putnam County High School (PCHS), where in 1968, #62 and his football team won the only Putnam County Georgia State Championship. Bartow then went on to graduate from PCHS in 1969. As a young man, Bartow was known for his adventurous spirit and left many people with memorable stories. In 1988, while sitting in a deer stand, among nature, Bartow accepted God into his life. Bartow took a great amount of pride in his work and professional accomplishments. He was employed by Horton Homes for 25 years. He was also an engineering subcontractor with Carter and Sloope, Inc. out of Macon, GA. Bartow was a member of the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Office in 2004. He was also an employee of Ingram Associates, Fortis Engineering, and Piedmont Water. He served as a Water Distribution License Operator in 2003 and was a Certified Building Inspector for the International Code Counsel. Bartow and Virginia Cartwright were married July 5th, 1985, in Covington, GA. Bartow completed the Lay Speakers’ Basic Program in 2007 and went on to complete the Advanced Program in 2010. Bartow taught Sunday school for 7 years at various churches, and preached at numerous celebrations of life, weddings, baby dedications, and even baptized his uncle. Bartow is preceded in death by his parents, Red and Sarah, and his sisters Gail and Brenda. Bartow is survived by his wife, Virginia, brother, Charles (Beth), daughter Scarlet (Kevin), sons Matthew and Joshua, and grandchildren Ronald Blake and Serenity Grace Grimes (Scarlet), Evan Thomas and Charlie Jansen Hall (Matthew), and twins Sherilyn Ouida and Virginia Louise (Joshua), along with numerous, wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who provided boundless support throughout this ultimate challenge.
Bartow’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 31st at the Liberty Chapel Church, with Pastor Jerry Swafford officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00, with the service following at 3:30. Friends are all considered family and are invited to attend as such. Please join the family after the service in the Fellowship Hall for some food and stories.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch are encouraged.
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