Lawrence R. Hartz

Lawrence R. Hartz, 79 of St. Petersburg, passed away September 10, 2014. Lawrence Richard Hartz was born on May 27, 1935 in Fremont, Ohio. The oldest of four boys, Larry loved spending time on his grandfather's farm. He enjoyed sports and spending time with his brothers and friends. During high school he fell in love with a beautiful majorette, Marjorie Mounts and married her before entering the Air Force. Larry proudly served his country as an aircraft mechanic and aviation specialist for four years during the Korean War. While in the military, he and Marge started their family. After living on bases in Wichita Falls, Texas and Tacoma, Washington, Larry and Marge returned home to Pittsburg, PA. There they completed their family and were members of the Peters Creek Baptist church. In 1968, Larry moved his family of six to St. Petersburg, Florida where he owned and operated Larry's Largo Shell station for many years. As an avid sportsman, Larry enjoyed scuba diving, golf and refereeing high school football games across the state. As an active member of Northside Baptist Church for 46 years, Larry served on the deacon board as Chairman of the Finance and Missions committees, as well as Chairman of the Northside Christian School Board. As a private pilot with a huge heart for missions, he and his wife also flew many trips to help and support missionaries in the Bahamas. Larry was known as a go-to-guy who would help anyone in time of need. He consistently demonstrated his core values of faith, family and friendship through the way he lived. As a father and grandfather, he attended every school function and athletic event proudly cheering on his children and grandchildren. Even after suffering severe spinal cord damage during back surgery in 2010, which left him confined to a wheel chair, Larry's strong faith, contagious sense of humor and positive attitude sustained him. His loving and devoted wife cared for him allowing Larry to have a happy and fulfilled life at home. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and watching the third generation grow and play around him. Larry transitioned to his eternal home in Heaven while surrounded by his loving family on September 10, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Mounts Hartz; his four children and their spouses: Debbie Nichols, Ron and Lisa Hartz, Steve Hartz and Diana and Ed Burgess; his nine grandchildren and spouses: Heather and Casey McKenzie, Chad and Brittany Burgess, Rachael and Mike Fortenbery, Brandon and Megan Hartz, Mallory and Tim Wyckoff, Natalie Hartz, Corey Hartz, Robert Nichols and Marjorie Nichols. His seven great grandchildren: Noah Fortenbery, Kyla Hartz, Finley McKenzie, Averie Fortenbery, Brianna Burgess, Hollis McKenzie, and Beau Burgess. He joyfully anticipated the arrival of two more Great Grandsons: Emerson Hartz and Landon Hartz. He is also survived by his brothers: Bob Hartz and Jim Hartz along with his sister-in-laws Carol Hartz and Suzanne Hartz. He was preceded into glory by his parents, Walter and Grace Hartz, his younger brother Dale and his sister in law Virginia. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider honoring Larry Hartz through a gift to Mercy Ministries, a Christian nonprofit organization that helps girls in crisis http://www.mercyministries.org or World Vision, a Christian international humanitarian organization http://www.worldvision.org/m/sponsor-a-child/?campaign=110719209 A memorial service celebrating the Life of Larry Hartz will be held Saturday September 20, 2014 at 3 PM at Northside Baptist Church 6000 38th avenue North St. Petersburg Florida, 33709. I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family. Service Information