Grady Gerald "Jerry" Hart, 76, of Edisto Island, South Carolina, died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and two sons on Sunday, August 17, 2014. His Funeral Service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2014 in Trinity Episcopal Church, 1589 Highway 174 with inurnment following the service at Trinity Episcopal Churchyard and a reception in the Parish Hall.
Jerry was born August 29, 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, son of Henry Grady Hart and Edith Rawson Hart. The family later moved to Union, SC before settling in Allendale, SC. Jerry attended Allendale High School, serving as president of the student body. He also attended South Carolina Boys State where he was elected Lieutenant Governor. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Jerry began his career as a sales representative for Merck Sharp and Dhome in Clearwater, FL. He later moved back to South Carolina working as an executive sales representative and later as district manager for Merck and Co, Inc. In 1994 Jerry was promoted as a founding director for Astra Merck Inc. continuing his work with Merck companies until his retirement of 37 years.
Jerry was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecock fan and supported the Gamecock Club through a Golden Spur membership. He served on several of the USC Athletic Department committees and was presented "Legendary Fan" recognition in 2010. He took special pleasure in the fact the "Legendary Fan" presentation was held during the football game where Carolina defeated #1 ranked Alabama 35-21.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Parrott Hart of Edisto Island, SC; sons, Grady Gerald Hart, Jr. (Wendy) of Columbia, SC and Gregory Patrick Hart (Tracy) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and a step-daughter, Brantley Sheehan Horton (Dr. Samuel R.W. Horton) of Greenville, SC. He was known as "GranGran" to eight treasured grandchildren, Hannah Gabrielle Hart, Madison Ann Hart, Patricia Anne Hart, Gregory Alexander Hart, Samuel Redden Webster Horton, Jr., Elizabeth Addison Horton, Harrison Strong Horton, and William Banks Horton. He is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marlene Hart Mixson.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1589 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438.
Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC. WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston.