Rev. Phillip Lee Hart

Rev. Phillip Lee Hart, 94, of Dr. George Ward Road, Elberton, GA, husband of the late Leila Inez Campbell Hart, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Reared in Iva, SC, Pastor Hart was born in Anderson, SC on August 18, 1929, son of the late Robert Lee Hart and Rosa Bell Dutton Hart. He was saved at the age of 15 and subsequently called to preach. In 1950, he married Evangelist Inez Campbell and shortly thereafter received his ministerial license and ordination in the Upper South Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. They traveled as evangelists before pioneering and organizing Lowndesville Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1952. In 1953, they transferred into the Georgia Conference (currently LifePoint Ministries) where they served as co-pastors for 61 years, the last 57 being at Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church in the Fortsonia Community of Elbert County. He served on the Georgia Conference Executive Board for eight years, and also co-hosted numerous Holy Land tours. 

Pastor Hart graduated from Emmanuel College (currently Emmanuel University) and the University of Georgia, earning a B.S. Degree in education and later an MEd. in education administration. He began his career in the Elbert County School System in 1965 and served as a teacher and administrator for 27 years, including two years in Hart County, while also fulfilling his pastoral responsibilities at Flatwoods. Pastor Hart gave God praise and glory for enabling him to survive and do as well as he did in his ministerial and secular work, considering the fact that he had severe hearing loss since childhood.

Known as a man of prayer, his humility, love, and compassion have touched many lives over his 57 years of ministering to his Flatwoods congregation, his community, and far beyond. His favorite words of encouragement - “Keep looking up!” will long be remembered. Also, “Don’t lose that smile!” has been said to countless people wherever he went. 

Pastor Hart deeply loved his family. He missed his beloved wife and son, and looked forward to seeing them again in Heaven; however, he also frequently expressed how he wasn’t anxious to leave his beloved family who are still on this side of Heaven. 

He is survived by his daughter, Gloria and Dr. Tony Moon; siblings: Rev. Paul Hart, Gary and Brenda Hart, and Pauline Moore; grandchildren: Larry Ray Hart, Jr. and Heather, Laurie and Jacob Combs, Georgia and Pete Day, and Matthew Moon; great-grandchildren: Taylor and Hannah Hart, Gracie Minyard, Isabella Moon, Caroline Combs, Harrison Kashlon, Madison Combs, Savannah Hart, Zayne Moon, and Riley Rae Day; great-great-grandchild, Whalen Hart; brother-in-law, Pete Gibson; sisters-in-law: Betty Campbell, Greta Campbell, Pat Welch, and Judy Campbell; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his son, Dr. Larry Ray Hart, Sr.; and siblings: Willie Mae (Paul) Duffell, Bobby (Bonnie) Hart, Jimmy (Carol) Hart, and Ella Ree Phillips (Charles) Gibson; brothers-in-law: Rev. Arthur Campbell, Willie Campbell, Rev. Mitch Campbell and sister-in-law: Elizabeth Wardlaw.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 28, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Pastor Hart’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 29, at 11:00a.m. at Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Bobby Dunaway, Bishop Tim Lamb, Rev. Paul Hart, and Dr. Tony Moon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Larry Ray Hart, Jr., Matthew Moon, Miller Lowery, Harrison Kashlon, Jacob Combs, Pete Day and Taylor Hart serving as pallbearers and Dr. Tony Moon and Rev. Ray Wall officiating.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Flatwoods Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2353 Dr. George Ward Road, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Rev. Phillip Lee Hart.