Charles Edward Hartzog

Charles Edward Hartzog, age 84 of Springfield, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday,

January 5, 2021 surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

He was born September 4, 1936 in Savannah, Georgia. Charles was a graduate of Rincon

High School in 1954 and received his Bachelor of Science in business from Newberry College in

1959. On July 12, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Ava Elizabeth Gnann; they were

married by Rev. Carl Milton. Charles began his professional career in Savannah as a cashier of

C&S Bank of Savannah, working his way up to eventually becoming President of the Exchange

Bank of Springfield in 1970, which ultimately became Bank of America.

Charles was active in his church, First Baptist Church of Springfield. A member of the

Carl Milton Sunday School class, Charles also served on the church Board of Trustees, the

Finance Committee, was a deacon, and also taught Sunday School.

He served his community through the Effingham Hospital Authority, being a member of

the Masonic Lodge in Springfield, the Lion's Club, Rotary Club, Jaycee's, and served as an MP

in the United States Army National Guard. He was a founding organizer and director of Citizens

Bank of Effingham from 1998 to 2003. He served on the Industrial Development Authority

Board, the Chamber of Commerce of Effingham, and numerous other foundational community

business organizations.

His greatest joy in life came through time with family and friends. Charles is survived by

his loving wife of 61 years, Ava Gnann Hartzog; three children, Charles Eric Hartzog (Cheryle),

Sonya Hartzog Kessler (Neal), Brian Edward Hartzog (Susan), grandchildren; Zachary Hartzog,

Jessica Barnett (Ross), Gracie Hartzog, Lucas Hartzog, Nicole Kessler-Razo (Will), Anna

Kessler, Evan Hartzog, Emily Hartzog, and great granddaughter; Meadow Hartzog.

Funeral arrangements will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the First Baptist Church

of Springfield at 11:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Effingham Memorial Gardens at

880 GA Highway 119 South, Springfield, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be given to: First Baptist Church of Springfield, 1435 Hwy 119 N., Springfield, GA  31329 or www.gideons.org or www.intouch.org.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home

Effingham Chapel

(912) 754-6421