William George Zetzmann III's Obituary
William George Zetzmann, III, entered into eternal rest on December 1, 2022 at the age of 68. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William George Zetzmann Jr., and Orite Rankin Zetzmann.
Billy, as he was affectionately known since childhood, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 25, 1954. Billy received his early education from New Orleans Academy and was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Billy began his business career at the Zetz 7-Up Bottling Company, which was first established in 1934 by his grandfather, William G. Zetzmann Sr. He was on the board and served in many civic and charitable organizations including: former President of the Louisiana Soft Drink Association, former President of the Louisiana Multiple Sclerosis Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Plimsoll Club, World Trade Center, New Orleans Country Club, Beau Chene Country Club, Tchefuncta Country Club, New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club, National Rifle Association, as well as several Carnival organizations including: the Krewe of Dorians, Krewe of Osiris, Krewe of Athenians and Prophets of Persia.
Billy led a life of service to others and his church, St. Timothy on the Northshore in Mandeville, Louisiana where he served for over 20 years as the food and fellowship coordinator for the church. Billy coordinated the weekly Wednesday night fellowship meal serving several hundred church members and anyone in the community. All were welcomed regardless of their church affiliation or ability to pay. His ministry touched all areas of the St. Timothy community. He provided food for all the various ministry events in the church and went out of his way to help anyone in need. Billy served faithfully for many years as an usher for the 11 o’clock Sunday service. Billy and Cathy took several mission trips during his time at St. Timothy to Casa Esperanza in New Mexico and Leaves of Gold in Arkansas.
Billy enjoyed spending time on the water, offshore fishing, boating and sitting on the beach in Pensacola, Florida.
Billy is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cathy Craig Zetzmann; their children, Leigh Kingrea, Craig (Kristin) Kingrea; grandchildren, Charles Leonard Kingrea, Lily Reese Kingrea, and Lucy Jane Kingrea; three siblings, Sherrian Zetzmann, Charles (Anne) Zetzmann and Orite (Michael) Coody; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Chandler (Sue) Craig, Cary Michael Craig, Christopher (Sherry) Craig and Cheryl Craig; nieces and nephews, Christine (Stephen) Berry, Bill (Amy) Coody, and Elizabeth (Jason) Berry, Sarah (Matthew) Proctor, Caroline (Cliff) Cheatwood, Chandler (Alexa) Craig, Andrew Craig, Cary (Kate) Craig, Caitlin (Hyder) Brewster, Mary Frances (Matt) Parker, Kirsten Craig, Christopher Craig, Suzanne (Paul) Giambrone, Michelle (Jeff) Carruthers and Patrick (Lauren) Yingst along with numerous extended family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Timothy on the Northshore, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am. If desired, donations to St. Timothy on the Northshore would be appreciated.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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