George Henry Baltz Jr.

George Henry (Butch) Baltz, Jr., of Acworth, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on April 10 leaving behind a legacy of warmth, faith, and genuine kindness. He was 82. He was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to George and Margaret Baltz.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Vicky Spry Baltz; his sons George Henry (Trey) Baltz III with wife Annamarie of Acworth Georgia and Justin Spry Baltz with wife Madina of Annandale, Virginia. The joy of his life was his four grandsons, Henry Jonathan Baltz, Andrew Peter Baltz, Ryan Spry Baltz and William George Baltz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Barbara Vought, Betty Hickman, and Marian Sassenwrath, and his brother Tim Baltz.

George graduated from St. Paul’s Catholic High School and later earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee. He began his distinguished engineering career with Boeing Aircraft Company, where he worked on the Saturn V rocket that propelled astronauts to the first landing on the moon.

He later joined the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), where he played a role in the development and procurement of the first nuclear power plant in the Southeast, Browns Ferry. In his final position with TVA, he helped lead the computerization development of the large federal agency, contributing to modernization efforts during a pivotal technological era.

George was a 38-year member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga, where he served on the Church Building Finance Committee. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus and an active supporter of the St. Jude Boy Scout Troop 172. His sons, Trey and Spry, both achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he cherished deeply. He was a life member of the Chattanooga Downtown Sertoma Club. George also served on the Baylor School Parent Advisory Council, where both sons graduated.

Outside of his professional and church life, George had a lifelong passion for Lionel trains. He was an avid collector and active member of the Chattanooga and Terminus chapters of the Lionel Train Collectors of America. He also served as Treasurer for the National Convention in Atlanta. Together with his sons, he built one of the largest and most admired model train layouts in the area.

George will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his professional accomplishments, and the generosity with which he shared his time and interests with others.

The family would especially like to thank the incredible staff of Trinity Hospice as well as Estella and Jenny, who provided great care for George over the past year.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 17, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clare Catholic Church in Acworth Georgia, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be at the Church following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.