Arthur Butler Hartzog, Sr.

Dr. Arthur Butler Hartzog, Sr., 79, of Spartanburg, died on December 21, 2023, at his home. Dr. Hartzog, husband of Jean G. Hartzog, was born in Aiken County, SC, son of the late Earnest Cecil and Kathleen Hightower Hartzog.

He was a graduate of Blackville High School and the University of South Carolina and earned the M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services from USC and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University. Dr. Hartzog served four years on active duty with the U.S Air Force, and fourteen years in the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Major.

He enjoyed a productive career of nearly forty years in higher education and public service, with positions at Clemson University, Coker College, the Darlington County Community Action Agency, and Spartanburg Methodist College, where he retired in 2009 after serving ten years as Dean of Students.  He was invited to serve another year as Interim Dean from 2016-2017.

Dr. Hartzog served in leadership positions for numerous professional and civic organizations, including president of the Clemson Jaycees, Pack master for a Clemson Cub Scout Pack, president of the South Carolina Personnel Association, president of the Spartanburg Lions Club, and Vice Commander of the Chesnee American Legion Post. He was also active in the National Entertainment and Campus Activities Association, the Southern Association for College Student Affairs, and National Association of Community Action Agencies. Dr. Hartzog’s awards included winning the South Carolina American Legion High School Oratorical Contest, recognition as the Outstanding Air Force Reservist for the Southeastern United States, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joe Nixon Award as South Carolina’s outstanding Dean of Students, and Lifetime Membership in the Southern Association of College Student Affairs. He was especially proud of having his book Tree-Dimensional Leadership published in 2018, available on Amazon Books.

An active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, Dr. Hartzog served as Chair of the Pastor-Staff/Parish Relations Committee, Lay Representative to the UMC Annual Conference, a church Treasurer, member of several committees, and a teacher for the Builders’ Sunday School Class.

Dr. Hartzog especially enjoyed his hobby as a magician, performing for numerous church, school and civic group functions and children’s parties. He adopted the title of “Who-Deanie”, referring to his career as a Dean of Students, and, also often dressed as a wizard.

Dr. Hartzog is survived by his wife; son, Arthur B. Hartzog, Jr. (Kaoru) of Columbia; daughter, Julie H. Hartzog of Roan Mountain, TN; beloved granddaughter, Anna Grace Garrett of Elizabethton, TN; and brother, Robert C. Hartzog (Cathie) of Prosperity, SC. He was predeceased by sisters, Carolyn H. Sutcliffe and Betsy H. Croft.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm in the church parlor of Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary conducted by the Rev. Brad Gray and Rev. Megan Gray. Burial will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm in Blackville Memorial Cemetery, Blackville, SC conducted by Rev. Thomas Terry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Methodist College, 1750 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301, Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 or to Blackville Cemetery Fund, PO Box 365, Blackville, SC 29817.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel