Bill Fogerty

William K. “Bill” Fogerty, 83, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Hartwell Health & Rehab.

Born on October 1, 1942 in Aurora, IL, he was the only child of the late Kern J. Fogerty and Clare Lavis Fogerty. Bill attended school in Aurora, Il; Newton, MA; graduated from Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, MO; received A.B. degree from Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio - President of Noble House, play by play sports radio announcer, played soccer and lacrosse; worked for Saga Food Service; Received M.Ed. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and did graduate studies at University of Colorado. He was a Junior High School English teacher, Cross Country Coach, 1965-66, in Binghamton, NY.

Bill joined Navy, commissioned Ensign in Dec 1966; served on USS BERKELEY DDG 15 making two West Pac deployments; spent 1969 in Nha Trang RVN as boat officer for harbor defense unit. Upon release from active duty affiliated with Navy Reserve and remained active until retirement in April, 1997. Commanded 6 reserve units including one recalled for Desert Storm - Military Sealift Command office Jacksonville, FL; taught Joint Military Operations Cse at Naval War College 1992 -1996; final assignment as Deputy Director for Crisis Action at CINCPAC 1996-1997. Awarded Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation (2), and Combat Action Ribbon in addition to 15 other awards.

Bill began his long career in sales and marketing of college textbooks with Rand McNally in 1970 in Boulder, Colorado; shifted to Random House where he was promoted to Marketing Manager and moved with wife Ann to New York in 1976. They escaped NYC in 1978 (still with Random House) to create a special high school sales group outside of Atlanta. From the Rocky Mountains to the Hudson River to Peachtree Street! Atlanta was their home for 22 years with occupational stops in the telephone and temporary help industries. Bill returned to publishing as an independent rep, and they moved to Hartwell, GA and a home on the lake.

Bill was active in the community as a member and chairman of the Board of Assessors (2004-2007), the Vice-President of the Hart County Property Owners Association, helped organize the Lake Hartwell Association, Senior Vice Commander and Commander of American Legion Post 109 and member of Post 8076 Hartwell. He was a life member of Naval Reserve Association; MOAA.

Both Ann and Bill were always active; he competed in the Boston Marathon in 1966 and 1970; ran in many 10K's but especially loved the Hartwell Dam Run. With some amount of persuasion from Ann became a square dancer and treasurer of the Swingin Harts Club. Water skied into his 72nd year; active model railroader with big HO layout; loved living by the water: enjoyed fine wines

Survivors include his wife of 55 years: Ann F. Fogerty; a cousin: Jim Leitch; two sisters-in-law: Joan Nienhaus and Elaine Angelo (Russ) and four nieces & nephews: Matthew Nienhaus (Debbie), Eric Nienhaus (Laura), Christopher Angelo (Nicole) and Elizabeth Kennedy (Josh).

Bill wished to be cremated and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Matt Parker officiating. Full military honors will follow the memorial service provided by the United States Navy. There will be a reception following the military honors in the church fellowship hall where the family will receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.