Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie, a Port Arthur, Texas native, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972. At Prairie View A&M University, he was a featured Male Soloist with the A’ Capella Choir, earning a degree in Political Science. Later, at Lamar University, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Bartie pursued further education at the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston, becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He earned a Master of Ministry from Tennessee Temple University while serving as Pastor of First Sixth Street Baptist Church.
In 1994, Bartie became the first African American Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8, Jefferson County, Texas, initiating programs for academic excellence. Elected Mayor of Port Arthur in 2019, Bartie remains dedicated to community service. He is a proud parent and grandparent, his commitment to public welfare deeply influenced by his late parents, Wilson Roy and Joyce “Lady Mae” Roy.
