Thomas Paul Hart

THOMAS PAUL HART, 95, born 12/29/13 to Fred Eugene Hart, Sr. and Mary Petrowski Hart, who preceded him in death as did his wife Ethel Todd Hart, and son Lewis Martin Hart. He is survived by four sons: Thomas W. Hart (Rosemary), Mitchell E. Hart, Sr. (Cheryl), Paul T. Hart (Peggy), and Stephen F. Hart (Judy). His grandchildren are Sherri H. Beutelschies (Mark), Mitchell E. Hart, Jr. (Darlene), Thomas C. “Chris” Hart (Emily), Wendy L. Hart, C. Spencer Hart (Diana), Brian A. Hart (Bridgid), Cary G. Hart, Shanna H. Holloway (Brian), Shelley H. Leavitt (Courtney), C. Bradley Hart (Amy), C. Todd Hart , J. Elana Hart, and 10 Great-grandchildren. Thomas was of the Great Depression generation, and his values and beliefs were formed by that historic event. His core focus was family, faith, and community, and his entire life was in pursuit of improving all three. With the death of his father at age thirteen, his mother, as a single parent, raised him and two younger siblings, Fred and Mattie, at a time when families came together as a support group. As the result of an Aunt Pauline’s support during this time, he changed his birth middle name to Paul in her honor. Thomas and Ethel married prior to WWII and he worked in defense work building ships, as a Master Welder, at Memphis and New Orleans and was working at Oak Ridge at the end of the war. They along with his brother Fred formed Hart’s Mfg. Co. in late 1945 to produce kitchen and china cabinets. The business grew until it eventually employed 500 in two locations. Under his leadership Hart’s was the first to employ women and African-Americans in a manufacturing operation in the Collierville area. As his family grew he and Ethel led by example in their involvement in the Collierville Christian Church serving wherever needed. Those of the church and community were there for them when Marty, their youngest son, was tragedically killed in 1972. Yet they turned that hurt into a victory by establishing the Marty Hart Scholarship Fund which has given over $500,000 in scholarships to financially challenged Shelby County graduates. He also became the “go to guy” for youth sports. Age or skill level didn’t matter for he knew that as others had helped him, he had the obligation to continue to support our youth. He was a charter member and first president of the Lions Club. The Masonic Lodge combined all his core values, and he took great pride that four generations of Hart men have been members of #152. These are only a few examples of his commitment to family, faith and community. The family invites all who would celebrate his life to join them at Collierville Christian Church from 5-8 p.m. on Friday for visitation and services at the church on Saturday at 10 a.m. with interment to follow in Magnolia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Christian Church Building Fund or Marty Hart Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Ave. Memphis, TN. 38104. Collierville Funeral Home (901)853-2628