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Berferd Hartzog was born in Tylertown, Miss., on Aug. 25, 1943, on his mother’s birthday. Berferd was a member of Union Heritage Church and a long-time resident of Bogalusa. Berferd passed from this life and went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, on Friday, July 16, 2021. Berferd was a dedicated Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved God Almighty, his family, friends, and his country. Berferd was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served his country in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class. During his service he did receive medals for good conduct, expert rifleman, and expert marksman. Berferd had many hobbies and loved to stay busy. He had a passion for hunting for arrowheads, looking at coins, and watching old westerns. He always knew just what to say to break the ice and get a crowd laughing. He loved it when the family was all together enjoying each other’s company.

Berferd was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” and Ethylene Hartzog of Angie; siblings, Johnny Hartzog of Bogalusa, Elvis Hartzog of Varnado, and Roy Hartzog of Angie; as well as his beloved grandson Ashton Garic of Bogalusa.

Berferd is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Deborah Garic Hartzog; his children, Melissa (Danny) Jones, Michael (Paige) Garic and Amy (Jason) Hill; grandchildren, Christopher (Sharae) Jones, Brandon (Carley) Jones, Hannah (Austin) Lods, Trilby Hill, Koen Hill, Alex Garic, Southern Hill and Amelia Hill; great-grandchildren Elle Jones, Ayla Lods and Klaire Jones; siblings, Gilbert (Peggy) Hartzog, Sylvia (Bobby) Bell, Patricia (Jamie) Maples, Jerry (Stacey) Hartzog and Linda Hartzog; and numerous nephews, nieces, and a special family member, Kassi Creel.

Services to celebrate Berferd’s life were held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home with visitation on Tuesday, July 20, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and continuing Wednesday, July 21, from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Bruce Morris will officiate and interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites performed by Magic City American Legion Post #24.