Billie Gean Hartz

Obituary

Billy J. Hartz was born on June 9th, 1943 in Dells Arkansas at a young age he moved to Benton Harbor Michigan with his family. The family resided on Townline Road.

He attended New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend M.H. Raspberry. Billy and his wife later joined the Blue Roof Church under the Leadership of Pastor Nathan  Bloomfield. He received his education through Benton Harbor Area Schools.
Billy was very handy he could build or fix just about anything. Billy worked many years at Clark Equipment Co. He later retired from the construction business after years in that field.

 Billy married the love of his life Ruthie M. Hartz they remained married until she gained her wings on August 21, 2018. Billy was known for his sense of humor always cracking jokes and telling life stories to anyone who would listen. He was affectionally called” Billy Red Cloud” Or” The Last of The Big Time Spender” by family and friends. He was a sharp dresser and kept a flashy vehicle. He enjoyed fishing, lawn work, and talking trash. But his specialty was barbequing his famous mouth-watering ribs and cooking his signature greens. Billy was the ninth of ten children.
 
 He proceeded in death by his parents Florence Rice and William Hartz. Eight siblings Charlie, Smith, Florine, Annie Mae, Junior, Timothy, Eugene, and David. One grandson Tyrell Martin and special brother Ezekiel Guidry. 

He leaves to cherish his memories two sons Billy Young of Indianapolis Ind and Richard Martin of Murfreesboro Tn. Five grandchildren Nicholas” Nick” Blue, Jerron Young, Davion Young, Andre Martin, Xavier Martin.One sister Barbara Mc Williams Of Kansas City Mo, two sisters in love Wan Jean Bell and Flora Thomas both of Kalamazoo Mi. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Billy will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on through his children and family.