News Summary
Reverend David L. Hart, a pillar of the Athens, Georgia community, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Remembered for his unwavering faith and commitment to service, he leaves behind a rich legacy encompassing ministry, family, and a love for life. A celebration of his life will take place on February 5, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Remembering Reverend David L. Hart: A Life of Service and Love
In the close-knit community of Athens, Georgia, heartfelt tributes pour in as the news of Reverend David L. Hart’s passing reaches family, friends, and former congregants. Reverend Hart, a cherished figure, left us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and family.
A Journey from Jacksonville to Athens
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of The Rev. Dr. George F. Hart and Violet Mappus Hart. When David was just 8 years old, his family made the move to Huntsville, Alabama, where he blossomed both in academics and sports. As a student at Huntsville High School, he not only excelled in his studies but also shone on the court and the field, playing semi-professional basketball during his senior year and achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout.
A Scholar and an Athlete
After graduating in 1960, Hart took his talents to Newberry College, where he earned a full football scholarship. Graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science, he was not just a valuable team player on the field, playing both offensive and defensive end, but he also had an impressive summer job working with NASA on the Saturn V rocket.
Answering the Call to Serve
After completing his education, David enlisted in the Army Reserves/Signal Corps and took on a role as the Assistant Football Line Coach back at his high school. However, Davids’ life took a significant turn in 1974 when he felt a calling to the ministry. Pursuing this path led him to the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1978.
A Lifetime of Ministry and Community Engagement
His first pastoral role was at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maryville, Tennessee, where he became deeply involved in the community, serving as an active Rotarian. In 1982, David took on a new challenge at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Athens, Georgia, where he dedicated 26 years to his congregation. During this time, he supported his daughters in various activities, showing just how much he valued family.
Retirement and New Adventures
After retiring from ministry in 2008, he didn’t sit back and relax. He found joy in working for Novus Way, where he supported three Lutheran Youth Camps across the southeastern U.S. Reverend Hart was also an avid golfer and celebrated achieving a hole-in-one at the University of Georgia Golf Course, showcasing that his love for challenges extended beyond the realm of ministry.
Survived by a Loving Family
David was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Brian David Hart, as well as his niece, Lindsay Hart. He leaves behind his loving wife, Paula K. Hart, his daughters Katharine Peterson and Elizabeth Brown, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother Jonathan Hart, and his nephew, Adam Hart. His family truly was the heart of his life.
Final Farewell
Family, friends, and all those who knew David are invited to celebrate his life at a funeral service scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, followed by an entombment at Athens Memory Gardens. There will be a time for friends to gather and share memories on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, The Alzheimer’s Association, or any charity of your choice. Reverend David L. Hart’s spirit will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire those whose lives he touched.
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- Obituary for Reverend David L. Hart
- Obituary for Kathy Meadows
- Obituary for David Gholson
- Obituary for Roy Minter
- Obituary for Nicholas Pope
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Reverend David L. Hart
- Google Scholar: David Hart ministry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: David Hart obituary
