Richard Dudley Hart Sr.

Richard Dudley Hart Sr., aged 95, passed away on August 25, 2025, at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.

He was born June 26, 1930, in Asheville, NC, to John Turner Hart Sr. and Nelle Bryan Hart. After graduating from Lee Edwards High School in 1948, Richard attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1952.

Richard was preceded in death by his dearly beloved spouse of over 70 years, Dorothy “Dot” Briggs Hart, and is survived by their four children: daughter Jan Busey (husband Bob) of Asheville, NC, and sons Richard D. Hart Jr. (wife Rebecca) of York, SC; John B. Hart (wife Robin) of Martinsburg, WV; and David W. Hart (wife Judy) of Asheville, NC. Other survivors include twelve grandchildren and, at present, ten great-grandchildren.

Richard served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as an officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. He was commissioned in March 1952, serving two years aboard the Yorktown and in the reserves until receiving his honorable discharge in February 1971.

A common theme heard in the days since his death is that Richard left those with whom he came into contact feeling better for the experience. He loved other people and tried to look for good in them and to let them know they mattered.

Richard had a passion for Tar Heel athletics and might have been known to see things – particularly questionable calls – through a light-blue tinted lens. He was also an outdoorsman and particularly loved standing in a pristine trout stream, where a good day did not require a large catch; it was enough simply to enjoy the beauty of the world around him. Quite often, however, a good catch happened as well.

Richard’s greatest love outside of his family was reserved for his church, the First Baptist Church of Asheville, where he was a member for over 80 years. He served as a Life Deacon and on multiple committees, but his favorite role was serving as a Sunday School teacher alongside his beloved Dot and nurturing the faith journeys of young adult couples. These couples became extensions of the family, and many remain cherished relationships to the present.

Richard spent his entire career in the souvenir industry until he retired at the age of 91. As a salesman, he earned so much respect from his customers that they would often tell him to write up an order for whatever he decided they needed. Such was the trust he built among them. He was recognized for his excellence in 2002 when he received The Golden Lily Award of the Living Legends Association of the Souvenir Industry.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 6, 2025 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Asheville. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends in the church chapel from 10am through 10:45. Another period for receiving friends will be held after the service back in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family asks that any donations be made in his memory to the Endowment Fund of the First Baptist Church of Asheville: FBC Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.