In the late summer of 2017, the community of Doerun, Georgia, was struck by the sudden loss of one of its own. Billy 'Bill' Nathaniel Rentz, a 76-year-old male resident, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017, at his home. Born on August 6, 1941, in Cook County, Rentz was a respected member of the community.
On that Monday, a female relative discovered Rentz unresponsive in a shed located behind his residence on Highway 133 North and immediately called for emergency assistance.
Upon their arrival, authorities from the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office found a revolver in Rentz's right hand. Following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, officials determined that Rentz died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. There was no indication of foul play, and consequently, no suspects were sought, and no arrests were made in connection with the incident.
Billy Rentz was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam conflict. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Agronomy and had retired from Colquitt EMC as a certified energy auditor. He was known for his love of travel, the outdoors, and woodworking. His passing was mourned by his wife, sons, granddaughters, and extended family, who remembered him as a man who always had a story to tell and valued his friendships. A funeral service with Military Honors was held on Friday, September 1, 2017, at the First Baptist Church of Moultrie.
