William Shelton "Bill" Hart

Mr. William Shelton “Bill” Hart, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer at Hospice Ministries. Visitation will be held at Wright & Ferguson, 350 High Street, Jackson, MS on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services are to be held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Oak Forest Baptist Church, 2875 Oak Forest Drive, Jackson, MS, visitation to be held at 10:00 am and services to begin at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at the Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery, 74169 North Lewiston Road, Kentwood, LA at 3:00 pm.

William was born on May 5, 1935 in Tangipahoa Parish Louisiana to Howard F. Hart, Sr., and Maggie Rowley Hart. He accepted Christ as a child and rededicated his life several years ago while serving as a Deacon at Oak Forest Baptist Church, Jackson, MS. William graduated from Spring Creek High School in Louisiana (Class of 1953). He was a life long employee of Entergy Corp. (MP&L) with over 45 years of service. He joined the Mississippi National Guard with Hq. Co. 1st Battalion, 155 Inf. 31st Dixie Division and retired 41 years with 66 Troop Command MSARNG, with the rank of Sergeant Major. Brother Hart was a member of Leavell Wood Masonic Lodge #620, 32° Scottish Rite Masons and a member of the Wahabi Shrine Temple, Jackson, MS. William was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1426, Jackson, MS where he served as Governor and was the Lodge Secretary for 6 years and earned his Pilgrim Degree. He also served as President of the Mississippi Moose Association and their Secretary for 14 years. After retirement he enjoyed serving the Lord, golfing and working on his farm.

Mr. Hart is preceded in death by his son John Franklin Hart, his father Howard F. Hart, Sr., mother Maggie Rowley Hart, Father-in-Law Ralph Lewis, and Mother-in-Law Louiedell Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dura Lewis Hart of Brandon, son Jim Loper Hart, daughter-in-law Amanda Melby Hart, grandson William Gabriel Hart, granddaughter Janell Richard of Denham Springs, LA, one brother Howard Franklin Hart, Jr., sister-in-law Lucy Ingram Hart of Brandon, nephews Tim Hart of Dallas, TX, Don Hart of Wesson, MS, beloved Swedish exchange student Frank Hindersbo, his wife Theresa and his children, Philip and Elin. Adopted children, Scott, Shelia, Brett and Deanna Bolin of Brandon. Godchildren, Mandy, Amber and Lindsey Sizemore of Clinton, MS

The family would like to offer special thanks to Sue Yean Taylor, Vondell Kent, Sidney Austin, Nikki Neal and the Masonic Lodge for their care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 74169 North Lewiston Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.