Billy Mack Bargatze, 82, of Ooltewah, died on December 26, 2012 at his home in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
He was born on Aug. 9, 1930, in Nashville, to Grace Ogdon Bargatze and Andrew L. Bargatze.
Billy is survived by Janie Bargatze, his loving wife of 33 years, his son, Corey Joseph Long, Corey’s wife Denise Long and his only grandchild, Carter Long, all of Pensacola, Fla.; daughter, Lori Long McGee and her husband Ty McGee of Ooltewah.
He attended Central High School in Bruceton, Tennessee and was a graduate of the George Peabody College for Teachers where he was a member of Phi Kai Alpha. He worked as a dispatcher for the railroad in Bruceton and a lineman for the telephone company before going to college. After college Billy was a seventh grade teacher for the City of Nashville for four years. After his years teaching he began working for USF&G as an insurance premium auditor. During his early years with USG&G he completed post graduate classes to become one of only seventy-five in the United States to earn the status of CIPA, Certified Insurance Premium Auditor. Billy worked for USF&G nearly 40 years before going to work for Overland Solutions as an auditor. Although he took on many rolls over the expanse of his long life, his most rewarding service was as an elder at the Ooltewah Church of Christ in Ooltewah. Billy led a life full of love and happiness and will be remembered fondly and missed terribly by all of his family and friends. Those who loved him for his big heart, gentle nature and giving spirit will never forget him.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, Dec 31, at 2 p.m. at the Ooltewah Church of Christ, 3206 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road in Ooltewah.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.