Robert Raiford Hart, Sr. passed from his life into the peace and grace of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024. Bob was the 13th generation direct descendant of his ancestor who arrived at Jamestown, Virginia in May 1607 on the “Susan Constant.” His parents Jesse James Hart and Starkie Alexander Hart, his wife of 52 years, Patricia Porterfield Hart, their sons Captain Randolph Porterfield Hart and Jesse Cannon Hart, his brothers James Alexander Hart and William Franklin Hart, and his sisters Francis Hart Hatfield, Nellie Hart Alexander and Mildred Hart Martin preceded him in death.

He leaves behind one son, Robert Raiford Hart, Jr. Esq. and his wife Sherry Lea Hart of Cincinnati, Ohio, one daughter-in-law Amy Michelle Hart of Palmyra, Virginia, one beloved grandson Robert Raiford Hart III and his wife Rebecca Ann Hart of Cincinnati, Ohio, and two beloved granddaughters: Lindsay Segal Hart Karr of Cincinnati, Ohio and her husband Brandon Thomas Karr, and Heather Michelle Hart of Palmyra, Virginia. He also leaves two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter: Robert Raiford Hart, IV, Michael Gregory Hart, and Madelyn Patricia Karr of Cincinnati, Ohio. He also leaves 15 nieces and nephews and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews and cousins.

Bob was born on May 7, 1935 in Franklin, Southampton County, Virginia. He graduated from Greensville County High School in Emporia, Virginia in 1953 and was enrolled at the University of Virginia 1953-1957, completing his Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and coursework for a Doctor’s degree. At UVA, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa social fraternity; President of Gamma Theta Upsilon, his professional undergraduate fraternity; Phi Delta Kappa, his professional graduate fraternity, and Kappa Delta Pi, his teacher affiliation. He was also elected as a member of P.K. German Dance Society and life member of the UVA Alumni Association. In 2008, he was recognized with membership in the Thomas Jefferson Society.

When he began his teaching career in September, 1958, Lane High School had closed and Albemarle High School had no openings, so he began teaching at William Monroe High School in Greene County, Virginia in the fields of U.S. History and Government. At the end of that first year in June 1959, the Superintendent of schools asked him to become the first Guidance Counselor at WMHS in 1959-1960. In June 1960, the Superintendent of schools asked him to be the first principal of the new William Monroe Elementary School (now W. M. Middle School) which had 435 students. He served there 1960-1962, during which time he was elected Chairman of all 45 Elementary School principals in Central Virginia (9 counties). He also served as President of the Greene County Education Association from 1961-1962.

He accepted the principalship of Lawrenceville Elementary School in Lawrenceville, Brunswick Country, Virginia which had 475 students and served there from 1962-1964. He then accepted the position of Director of Instruction in the Central Administration Office of the Southampton County schools in Courtland, Virginia, where he directed the instructional programs for 16 elementary and high schools for 3 years (1964-1966).

During the summer of 1966, he was invited to become the principal of Burnley-Moran Elementary School in the Charlottesville City School District which had 700 students. He served in that capacity for 4 years (1966-1970) during which period he was elected Chairman of the Charlottesville Elementary School Principals, Chairman of the Charlottesville Schools Administration Council, and again Chairman of all 45 Elementary School Principals in Central Virginia. In June 1970, he was asked to become Director of Personnel for the Charlottesville City Schools. He remained in that department until retirement, serving as President-elect and President of the Virginia Association of School Personnel Administrators (representing 132 school systems) from 1971-1975. He retired as of July 1, 1997.

Mr. Hart had an infectious passion for history. As stated above, he taught history in the public schools and later served as Adjunct Professor of Virginia History at the College of William and Mary. He particularly loved family history and served 15 years as President of the 300 member Hart Family Reunion of Virginia and North Carolina, lecturing on family history of the Hart family dating back to 1607 in Jamestown and Surry County, Virginia.

Always active in community activities in his early years, he was a member of the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, Ruritan Club, Chamber of Commerce, the Red Land Chapter of Charlottesville, and the Courtland Masonic Lodge #85 of Virginia, recently receiving his 50 years recognition in 2016.

Always active in church activities, he served as Deacon, Church Treasurer, Church Historian, Secretary-Treasurer of the Church cemetery, teacher, he particularly enjoyed conducting Chapel services for disabled students after each Sunday service for 15 years (1980-1995), Director of the Baptist Treasury Union, supervising Sunday school and chairing many committees.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Virgina Medical Center for their dedication and care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Beaver Dam Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Matthew 25:23 – His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: Enter into the joy of your lord.”

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