Billy Moran Hargrove

Billy Moran Hargrove,100, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, minister, and veteran, Billy's long and rich life was marked by faith, service, and an inclusive love for all people, no matter their lot in life. His joyful spirit, compassion, and warmth left an unforgettable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on December 31, 1925, in Milledgeville, Georgia, Billy was the son of Fermor R. and Marie Hargrove, Sr. He grew up alongside his siblings, Fermor R. Hargrove, Jr., and Marie Hargrove Morgan, all of whom preceded him in death. Billy's early life was shaped by the values of faith, hard work, and kindness-principles that would guide him throughout his century-long journey.

In July 1943, at just 17, Billy enlisted in the Army Air Corps, beginning what would become a distinguished 30-year career that spanned World War II, the Cuban Crisis, and the Vietnam War. After deployments, he served in the Air National Guard until his retirement in July 1973 as a Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force. His military tenure reflected a lifelong devotion to duty, honor, country and a steadfast belief in service to others.

Having graduated from high school at Georgia Military College, Billy furthered his education by earning a degree in History from Mercer University in 1956 and later a Master of Religious Education degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His faith and academic curiosity led him into ministry, where he spent decades guiding and encouraging others in their spiritual walks. He served as Minister of Education at Augusta Road Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, from 1958 to 1973, and as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Devereaux, Georgia, from 1955 to 1958 and again from 1973 until his retirement in 2003.

In his later years, Billy continued his professional involvement and community service through his accounting business, Hargrove Accounting, which he owned and operated from 1980 until 2010. Beyond his career, Billy's dedication to improving lives extended across many organizations. He was a proud Eagle Scout and Scout Master of the Boys Scouts of America, a member of the Benevolent Masonic Lodge No. 3, honored in 2023 for 70 years of service, and active in the American Legion, Post 50, Peachtree City. He gave his energy and heart to causes such as Hospice of Middle Georgia, Habitat for Humanity, the Good Grief Kids Camp, the Midwest Food Bank, and the Samaritan Ministry in Knoxville, Tennessee. His mission work took him as far as Ghana, Africa, where he spread hope and faith and the message of God's love.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Harriett Willett Hargrove, and his daughter, Genie Hargrove. He is survived by his children Tom (Cassie) Hargrove of Milledgeville, Ann Marie (Tony) Pope of Hawkinsville, and Marlin Hargrove of Atlanta; along with Bert (Patricia) Collett and his loving wife Virginia Dawkins Hargrove. He was the proud "Granddaddy" to 8 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren and served as a guiding force to anyone who needed him.

Billy had many passions outside his service. He found joy in reading, storytelling, and he had a deep-rooted appreciation for nature and travel. His energy and enthusiasm for life were infectious, drawing others close to him. Infusing every moment with gratitude and good humor his life was filled with love, faith, and joyful service-one that continues to inspire all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at the chapel of Moores Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 30th from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Moores Funeral Home & Crematory.

Memorials can be made to: Midwest Food Bank of Peachtree City, midwestfoodbank.org, or to

Samaritan Ministry-Knoxville, samaritancentral.org.

Moores Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of arrangements.

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