Laurie (L.T.) Hartzog Jr., pictured here during a birthday celebration, passed away Tuesday. Laurie (L.T.) Hartzog Jr., a longtime prominent Gaffney businessman, died Tuesday. He was 90.

Hartzog and his late wife, Will, owned and operated Hartzog’s Jewelry in downtown Gaffney for almost 60 years.

At the time it was founded by L.T. in 1946, the retail store consisted of a mere 300 square feet of space. The jewelry and gifts supplier, now operated by his son Charles and Charles’ wife, Glenda, has grown immensely from such humble beginnings, now occupying a 5,000- square-foot showroom downtown.

The Hartzogs were enthusiastic supporters of downtown Gaffney, investing their time, energy and money into keeping it a healthy place to do business.

Hartzog opened the business after serving in World War II. He flew more than 38 combat missions as a B-24 navigator over Germany and Northern Italy as a member of the Army’s Air Corps.

A place dear to the heart of the local businessman, the jewelry store served as the venue for Hartzog’s 90th birthday party in February.

Will had been a successful Realtor® and together with L.T., had expanded Hartzog Jewelers to become Hartzog Gifts, Jewelers and Ladies Apparel. The couple ran the business from 1946 until their retirement in 2004.

“L.T. was a respected and well-liked member of the Cherokee County community,” said his nephew, Ledger publisher Cody Sossamon. “He had a dry wit about him that brought smiles to the faces of everyone he was around.

“I never heard him speak ill of anyone and likewise never heard anyone say anything but good about him. He was a real gentleman and a credit to Gaffney and Cherokee County,” Sossamon said.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the residence, 118 Hillside Drive, from 6 until 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11. The complete obituary appears on Page 8A.