WESLEY NEIL COURTNEY

"He fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith..." Wesley Neil Courtney, a lifelong Arlingtonian, was freed from his illness and ascended home to glory on April 24, 2025. Born at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C., on April 28, 1954, Wesley was raised by his mother, Sylvia W. Hackley, and his stepfather, the late Clarence W. Hackley, until he was 16 years old. He then went to live with his father and stepmother, the late Raymond and Bernice Courtney. In each of those households, Wesley lived with his siblings as well. Educated in the public school system of Arlington County, VA, Wesley attended Drew Elementary, Gunston Junior High, and Wakefield High schools. He graduated and received his diploma in 1972. Christianity was an essential part of Wesley's life. In addition to the spiritual guidance that he received at home as a youngster, he frequently attended church, and also Bible classes led by his maternal grandmother, Viola V. Green. As a teenager, Wesley invited Jesus into his heart and was baptized at Evangel Temple, in Washington, D.C. All of his life, Wesley was helpful and hardworking. In his early teens, he often worked alongside his stepfather for his stepfather's company, Hackley's Hauling and Trash Removal Services. They, with other family members and friends, collected trash from all of the First Virginia Banks throughout northern Virginia. And after completing high school, Wesley joined his father's company, Courtney Trash Removal Service, where he drove a trash truck and worked hard alongside his father. Later in Wesley's life, his father developed skills of an inventor and entrepreneur. And in 1984, he started a new company called Courtney Enterprises, Inc., of Virginia. Wesley joined his father's new company at its inception, and became its vice president. He sold his father's products, and even demonstrated them at the headquarters of K-Mart. As a result, K-Mart purchased three out of five products that Wesley demonstrated. Most popular among them, 'The Pocket Pump.' After working for Courtney Enterprises, Inc., Wesley was hired by Shelton Occupational Center, Inc. While there, he was assigned to work at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, for nine years. Wesley retired early and helped to care for his paternal grandfather, the late Robert Courtney, Sr., who lived to see his 100th birthday. Wesley was a beloved Arlington County resident, and lived at the Harvey Hall Apartments for many years. He shall surely be missed.

WESLEY NEIL COURTNEY

April 28, 1954 - April 24, 2025