Charles James Hart's Obituary
Funeral services for Charles James Hart, 85, will be held at 1 PM Friday in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with Chris Vidacovich officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Creek Cemetery in Diana. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.
Charles James Hart of Longview passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017. He was born on January 4, 1932 to Artey Mae and Carroll Vincent Hart. He grew up in Longview, Texas attending Longview ISD graduating in 1949 from Longview High School where he worked on the LHS newspaper staff as the editor. While still in school he worked for 6 years as a carrier boy for the Longview News Journal. After graduation he continued as a feature reporter. These early responsibilities led to a career in journalism. He attended Kilgore College and was a member of the cheerleading squad. In February of 1950 he volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps. During the Korean War he was stationed in Japan. After returning from the war, he started a family and had two children, Pamela and Steve. He returned to the Longview News Journal continuing his career in journalism and served as the Circulation Manager. In the 1980’s he went to work at Eastman Kodak as a lab technician eventually retiring in 1992.
During retirement he enjoyed being the owner and manager of the South Green Mobile Home Park. His work in the park created a quiet, beautiful and safe place for families to enjoy. Charles loved working with plants and flowers. He landscaped and designed the yards of his home and others. Azaleas and Dogwoods were among his favorite selections. He also enjoyed making hanging baskets to sell each spring.
Charles loved God and loved people. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His church family at Judson Road Church of Christ was also very important to him. You would often find him showing kindness to people who were ill or having difficult times. His giving spirit was known within this church body and by others in the community.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll Vincent Hart; his mother, Artey Mae Visage; his brother, Leo Hart; and his nephew, Robert L. Hart.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Pamela Horton and husband David; son Steve Hart and wife Debbie; niece Cyndi Summy and husband Chris; grandchildren Rachel Hagler and husband Stephen, Blake Hart and wife Nikki, Tiffany Truitt and husband Jeff, Jeremy Horton; and 8 great grandchildren.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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