Roy T. Hartsfield: Obiturary

Roy T. Hartsfield of Ellijay passed away at his daughter’s home in Ball Ground, GA, on Saturday, January 15. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alice Young Hartsfield. Born in Chattahoochee, Georgia, he attended West Fulton High School. He spent over forty years in professional baseball. After high school, he was signed by the Atlanta Crackers where he played the 1943 season followed by 2 years in the Navy at Great Lakes. His major league playing days were with the Boston Braves for three years, 1950 – 1952. He then spent many years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization where he managed in their minor league system and coached on the major league level. He also coached for the Atlanta Braves then went on to manage the Hawaii Islanders for 4 years. He was the first ever manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League expansion in 1976 where he managed for 3 years. Recognized for his in-depth knowledge of the game, he was selected to lead instructional leagues in Germany and Japan while with the Dodgers. After retirement from baseball, Roy and Alice moved to Ellijay which quickly became their home. For many years, he was an active member of the Lions Club and served as Grand Marshal of the Ellijay Apple Festival one year. He became a member of the “Creepy Crawlers” golf group and spent many a fine day on the course at Whitepath with his buddies, frequently winning ‘closest to the pin’. Throughout his retirement, he played in many charity golf tournaments through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni organization. Before his health forced him to quit golf, he was still shooting his age in his eighties. He leaves behind many good friends in the Ellijay community which he loved.

He is survived by his daughters, Karol (Len) Little of Ball Ground, Patti Hartsfield of Vinings, Linda (Larry) Korb of Cumming, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, at Ellijay First United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. Family will receive visitors beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Narthex. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Mountains Hospice, 70 Caring Way, Jasper, GA 30143 or your favorite charity. Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.