Edwin Rice Hart, Jr.

Edwin Rice Hart Jr., 86, died peacefully Sept. 8, 2024, at his home in Colbert, Georgia. Known as Buddy, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Buddy was born Oct. 28, 1937, and he was a 1955 graduate of Colbert High School, where he was active in sports. His classmates voted him “Most Athletic.” After high school, Buddy briefly attended the University of Georgia on a baseball scholarship. During his teenage years, he helped his father at the family’s Colbert Mercantile Company.

Buddy was a worker. Among his jobs were stints at Brooks Motor Company, Athens Hardware and Classic City Beverages. His real joy was farming, which he did part-time. In 1960, he married Mildred Elizabeth Gent, and they started a family—a son, Edwin III, and a daughter, Karla. 

Soon, he decided to venture into self-employment by taking on building projects, along with buying and reselling properties. He once estimated that he had planted more than 10,000 acres of Bermuda grass for North Georgia farmers. One of his most-prized investment accomplishments was helping friends organize and open the First Madison Bank and Trust. He remained on the board of directors until it was sold in 2019.

In retirement, Buddy stayed active farming and raising cattle. He and his wife, Millie, were regulars at their grandchildren’s sporting events. Buddy grew up in Colbert Baptist Church, and he remained a member throughout is life. 

Buddy inherited his love of music from his mother, Mary Russell Hart. Gospel music and old hymns were his favorites. He started singing in the choir as a young boy. Following his wife’s death, Buddy rejoined the choir. He traveled with the group, singing at retirement homes and special events, such as the Colbert Christmas Celebration.

Buddy was proud of his hometown, and he was an active supporter of Madison County’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA combined his love of sports and Christianity. Buddy was a familiar face around Colbert’s businesses, especially at The Bread Basket.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Rice Hart Sr. and Mary Russell Hart, and his wife of 60 years, Mildred Gentry Hart, and his brother Charles. He is survived by his children, Edwin R. Hart III and Karla Hart Knisely (Kurt); his grandchildren, Edwin R. Hart IV, Ansley Hart, Alexandra Knisely (David Joseph Luzenski) and Kurt A. Knisely; and a great-grandson Robert Joseph Luzenski.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home in Danielsville. Interment will be Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Colbert Cemetery. The Rev. Blaine Seagraves will be officiating.