Andrew Paul Hjort

Andrew Paul Hjort, husband to the late Frances Means Hjort, passed away on February 19, 2024. Paul was born August 13, 1927 to Samuel Conrad Hjort and Nell Powell Hjort in Thomasville, Georgia, where he grew up and lived for 91 years. His last 5 years were spent living in Charleston, SC. Paul is survived by his children, Andrew Paul Hjort, Jr. (Carol), Frank Samuel Hjort (Nancy), and Ellen Hjort Walton (Jeff); his grandchildren Sam Hjort (Samantha), Matt Walton (Bonnie), Thomas Walton, and Julia Goff (Dustin); his great grandchildren Vivian Goff, Caroline Walton, and Olivia Goff. He is predeceased by a great grandchild, Connor Walton.

Paul attended Georgia Military College High School in Milledgeville, Georgia and graduated Valedictorian of his class. He continued his studies at University of Georgia and was called to report to active duty two weeks into his Sophomore year. Paul trained with the Navy in San Diego, then boarded an AOG tanker and was discharged ten months later when WWII ended. 

Paul was a member of Thomasville First Methodist Church in Thomasville, Georgia where he met his future wife, Frances Means Hjort. They were married in Valdosta, Georgia in 1950. Together, they sang in the choir for over 50 years, where he also played the bells. Paul served on several committees, was Sunday School Superintendent and conference delegate for many years.

Paul spent his life working at Thomasville Nurseries, Inc., also known as The Hjort’s Nursery. The wholesale business was well known throughout the South. They primarily sold roses, had the only Rose Test Garden in the southeast, and shipped plants all across the country. The nursery supplied roses for the White House Rose Garden during the Carter Presidency. Paul loved his plants and helped make Thomasville known as “The City of Roses”. 

A Rotarian for life, Paul was President of the Thomasville Rotary Club 1968-1969, was a Will Watt Fellow, a Paul Harris Fellow, received a 4 way test award and a Lifetime Service award. He even attended a Rotary Club meeting while In Australia. He had perfect attendance from 1949-1999. 

Though very busy with business and community, Paul always had time for his family. He enjoyed the days of camping, fishing and sports. Travel became his passion upon retirement. He and Frances traveled extensively and loved sharing stories and pictures of the places they visited. Paul enjoyed helping others and was always available for plant advice. His love for family, friends, church and community will forever be on our hearts.

His funeral service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Thomasville First Methodist Church in Thomasville, GA, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, at the church.

Memorial donations can be made in Paul's memory to Thomasville First Methodist Church, 425 N Broad St., Thomasville, GA 31792.