Bluefield, VA- Joseph Reeves Hartzog, Jr. of Bluefield, VA died on March 5, 2019 at his home. Born in Stone, KY to Joseph Reeves Hartzog and Maude Lambert Hartzog, his childhood home was made in Williamson, WV, where he graduated a proud Wolfpack in 1956. He was an avid sports fan, playing basketball and was designated an all-state baseball pitcher.
He attended WVU and remained the most loyal of fans, rarely missing a televised game. He married his high school sweetheart, Fadwa Ammar Hartzog, who preceded him in death in 1997. The family moved to Bluefield, WV in 1967, where he worked for Ammar Brothers and was the proprietor of Bluefield Gift Shop, Plaza Cards, and Watkins Gifts in Bluefield and Beckley.
In 1982, he opened Hartzog Insurance Agency, where he took great pleasure in assisting all his “friends” and even after retirement faithfully went in to work – including his last day. He served his community through his membership in Kiwanis, and by faithfully giving to Bluefield Union Mission and other charities. He loved and served the Body of Christ at Westminster as an elder and teacher.
He faithfully taught the children of Westminster in catechism and Sunday school for over 30 years. He made sure they learned John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. In 1999, he married Lana Mitchell Hartzog, who devoted her life to caring for him and providing him with another extended family with whom to show love with his gentle jokes and ribbing.
In addition to Lana, he is survived by his children, Julie Hurley (Chip) and Dr. Mike Hartzog (Loree), grandchildren Hannah Hurley, Chandler Hurley (Jessie), Elyse, Olivia, Jacob, Audrey and Caleb Hartzog, great-grandchildren Soren and Jax. He is also survived by siblings, Lauren Marcum, and Jeff Hartzog (Gwen). He was predeceased by sister, Sally Dixon.
A service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m., to worship the Lord Jesus Christ and remember how the Lord worked in and through Joe. In lieu of flowers, any donation would be greatly appreciated to Westminster Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1258, Bluefield, WV 24701 or Bluefield Union Mission, PO Box 4056, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.
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