W.P. “Bill” Herlovich, 89, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Friday, February 9, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, with Dr. Jerry Mahan and the Rev. Blane Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. Herlovich was born January 6, 1929, in Rhine, Georgia, to the late Joseph & Laura Addy Herlovich. He graduated from Webster County High School. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II at his duty station in Alaska. Following his discharge from the service, he attended Georgia Southwestern. Mr. Herlovich was an insurance agent for Life of Georgia before he began his banking career. He worked at The National Bank and later First State Bank for almost 30 years, retiring as President in 1983. While President, he was a major benefactor in establishing Ben Hill-Irwin Tech, now Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Mr. Herlovich was Director Emeritus of the CBC Holding Company, parent to Community Bank. He served for almost 40 years as a Commissioner for Fitzgerald Water, Light, and Bond, holding the seats of secretary and vice-chairman for several years. He was an ardent supporter of our community helping to create the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Humane Society, serving for many years on the Chamber of Commerce board, and helping to recruit industry. He was an avid Purple Hurricane booster and held reserved seat tickets for many years. He loved the outdoors and was an accomplished carpenter. He enjoyed spending time at the lake he built, the last privately owned recreational body of water created in the state of Georgia. Many people would send their children to him to learn how to save money and how to appreciate the value of a dollar. An active member of First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald for over 60 years, he served as church administrator, was the church treasurer for over 50 years, and was a member of the Baraca Sunday school class.
He is survived by children: William P. “Phil” Herlovich, Jr. & Patricia of Fitzgerald, Tony Herlovich & Kim of Fitzgerald and Vicki Lynn & Marjorie Herlovich of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren: Cherylen Herlovich, Nicole & Brad Tune, Julie & David Bialousow, Jeni & Adam McKnight , David & Jennifer Herlovich, Duston & Lane Griffin, Garrett & Abby Griffin, Laura Herlovich, Andrew Herlovich, and Amber Smith; and great-grandchildren: Kelly McKnight, Liam McKnight, Vivian Tune, Evan Tune, Jacob Bialousow, Ella Herlovich, Will Herlovich, Rhett Griffin, Cole Griffin, Bo Griffin, Brody Griffin, Katie Griffin and Clare Herlovich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Geraldine Lane Herlovich; three brothers; and four sisters.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 367, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.