Bill Fogerty

William K. Fogerty, 83, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2026 surrounded by family and many loving friends.

Born on October 1, 1942 in Aurora, IL, he was the only child of the late Kern J. Fogerty and Clare Lavis Fogerty. The family moved to Newton, MA during his early years and later to Kirkwood, MO where he graduated from high school. He received a B.A degree from Oberlin College in Ohio and a Masters of Education from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Following graduation, Bill spent a year as an English teacher and cross country coach in Binghamton, NY.

Bill was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1966. He served on the USS BERKELEY DDG 15, making two West Pacific deployments and spent 1969 in Nha Trang, RVN as a boat officer for the harbor defense unit. After returning from Vietnam, Bill met his wife Ann Friemel in Kirkwood MO, and they were married in July, 1971. He remained active in the Navy Reserve, commanding six reserve units, including one recalled for Desert Storm with the Military Sealift Command office in Jacksonville, FL. From1992-1996, Bill taught the Joint Military Operations Course at the Naval War College in Newport. RI. His final assignment was Deputy Director for Crisis Action at US Pacific Command from 1996-1997. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendations and the Combat Action Ribbon and retired as Captain in April, 1997.

Bill began his civilian career in sales and marketing of college textbooks with Rand McNally in Boulder, Colorado and later moved with his wife Ann to New York where he was promoted to Marketing Manager at Random House. In 1978, Bill and Ann moved to Atlanta, GA where they lived for 22 years while Bill established a sales group for Random House. During this time, Bill and Ann built a profitable Amway distributorship. In 2000, they moved to Lake Hartwell, GA where they have lived for the past twenty six years.

Bill always had a huge smile and outreached hand and was dedicated to the Hartwell Community. Bill was a member and chairman of the Board of Assessors (2004-2007), President of the Hart County Property Owners Association, and helped organize the Lake Hartwell Association in Hart County. He was also a staff officer of the Hartwell Lake Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5 and shared his interest in boat safety classes. Bill served as Senior Vice Commander and Commander of American Legion Post 109 and member of VFW Post 8076 in Hartwell. He was a life member of the Naval Reserve Association and the Military Officers Association of America.

Bill will be known for his warmth, sharp wit and love of running. A two time Boston Marathon runner in 1966 and 1970, neighbors will miss seeing him on his daily three mile walks around Reed Creek. Bill water skied into his 72nd year. Bill and Ann were active square dancers for twenty five years with the Swingin’ Harts Club. He was a lifelong model railroader with big HO layout and a member of the Central SC Model Railroading Club. He loved living by the lake and enjoyed fine wines with friends.

Bill was a faithful Christian, and he and Ann enjoyed the many years with friends at Sharon Presbyterian Church and more recently Hartwell First Methodist Church.

Family will remember Bill for the countless lakeside water activities, endless Monopoly games, the stories they’ll keep telling and the love he poured into every moment they shared.

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

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s 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. On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www. stricklandfh.com.