Billy Ray Hartzog

Billy Ray Hartzog was an honorable World War II Veteran and proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born to Eunice and John Foy Hartzog in Barbour County, Alabama on January 16, 1928. He peacefully joined his parents, wife Parrie Lou (Lou-Lou) Hartzog, and son Brent Hartzog, Sr. on July 24, 2024.

His family moved to Birmingham in January 1939, and he attended Elyton Grammar School and Shades Cahaba High School before joining the US Navy in February of 1945. He proudly served the United States of America during World War II aboard the USS Pittsburgh as an Ordinary Seamen Wiper, Messman, Fireman, Watertender, and Oiler. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the United States Merchant Marines from 1947-1949, and then was proudly employed by AB Dick Company from 1950-1977. Following AB Dick Company, he was employed by Strickland Paper Company until he retired in 1998.

In 1949 he, in his own words, met the most beautiful girl in the world, Parrie Lou Dorroh (Lou-Lou). Not one to waste time, he married her on October 28, 1950 and they gave birth to Cathy Hartzog Dobbins (1951) and Brent Hartzog, Sr. (1954.)

He is survived by sister Martha Watkins, daughter Cathy Hartzog Dobbins, four grandchildren Drew Dobbins (Marianne), Matt Dobbins (Elizabeth), Brent Ray Hartzog, Jr., Elizabeth (Hartzog) Van Pelt (Michael), seven great-grandchildren Andrew, Christian, Vance, Anna, Natalie, Lillian, and Mary-Grace.

He is preceded in death by Parrie Lou and Brent Ray Hartzog, Sr., parents Eunice and John Foy Hartzog, and brothers Ewell and Samuel Hartzog.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 AM on July 30, 2024 at Elmwood Cemetery (Mausoleum). Billy will forever be in our hearts.