It is with great regret and sadness that the family of Jerry Lee Hart, age 72, of Mouth of Wilson, VA, the Grassy Creek Community, announces his passing at the Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital in Blacksburg, VA on Sunday, evening September 3, 2023. In his final moments he was surrounded by all his family.  As soon as he expressed his love to each one present, he slipped away to take up residence in the hearts of all who knew him.  He was born in Ashe County on May 22, 1951, to Claude and Gladys McGrady Hart.  Jerry was a life-long resident of the Grassy Creek Community where he established and nurtured a host of friendships.  He was always eager to help a neighbor and was a favorite around the community.  Jerry was a natural entertainer.  He could take the most misery-filled-situation and find a way to interject humor. He could captivate an audience for hours on end with why things were just not like he thought they ought to be!  If you were anything but a Duke fan, you had a big problem- it was Duke all he way!  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR, and basketball! Jerry loved a plate of good food with a passion!  He loved his dogs, especially Webster, Molly, Andy and Alvin.  He loved camping and was happiest sitting around a campfire with a big crowd.  His enjoyment of camping was rivaled only with his love of his family.   His grandchildren brought him much joy and they were a favorite topic of conversation.  Since his retirement from Sprague Electric (Chemi-Con), he enjoyed touring the rural roads of Grassy Creek in his side by side with his beloved wife, Levene and their dogs. While traveling his back road adventures, if any neighbors, friends, kin, or complete strangers were encountered, they would hear from Jerry and there would be a conversation!  In most recent years, Jerry enjoyed a permanent camping site at Camp Dickenson where he was the "supreme camper."  Most summer evenings at Camp Dickenson were concluded around the "biggest fire" at Jerry and Levene's campsite.  They loved a crowd and everyone was always welcome.  Many good friendships were forged around Jerry's campfire.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife and caregiver, Levene S. Hart of the home, two sons, Randy and Karen Hart of Elk Creek, VA, Travis and Jackie Hart of Mouth of Wilson, VA, grandchildren, Autumn, Wade, Jessica, Morgan, Sage and Casey; great granddaughter, Sadie; step-daughter, Angie Norris of Boone, NC: brother, Scott Hart of Mouth of Wilson; sisters, Linda Kelly of Mouth of Wilson and Betty and Dale Blevins of Marion, VA; special nephews, Tony Kelly, Greg Kelly, Joey Daniel and Jim Hart: special nieces, Lisa and Sid Finklea and Kathi Hart; a host of cousins, friends and neighbors also survive.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Hart; sister Delphine Hart; sister-in-law, Clara Hart; brother-in-law, Ray Kelly; and nephew, Kurk Daniel.

Memorial services will be conducted on Thursday afternoon at 3:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Blevins and Rev. Louis Young officiating.  The family will receive friends at Reins-Sturdivant from 2:00-3:00 prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Inurnment will follow at the Corinth Cemetery in Rugby, VA. with Rev. Michael Drake officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rugby Rescue Squad 53 Rugby Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 or Mouth of Wilson Separate Baptist Church 2217 Old Mill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Hart family.