Obituary of Jeffrey David Hart

Jeffrey David Hart of Columbia, South Carolina peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 15, 2024, after a courageous and valiant battle against ALS. He was 51 years old.

Born on January 4, 1973 to Patricia and David Hart in Tryon, North Carolina, Jeff graduated from Gaston Day School in Gastonia, NC before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications at his dream school, the University of South Carolina. While in college, he enjoyed exploring the outdoors through the USC SCUBA Club and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, leading the group as both a charter member and chapter president.

After completing his education, Jeff worked in entertainment and reporting at local radio and television stations in Columbia, SC before beginning an illustrious 24-year career with both state and federal government agencies. He held several different positions, from fraud investigations (the stories he could tell!) to policy writing to helping people navigate the maze of insurance and disability benefits. Ultimately, his expertise and impeccable character led him to train others, teaching them how to be as helpful and beneficial as he was. Throughout his career, he was admired and respected for his dedication to assisting both those who he served and those with whom he worked.

While Jeff dedicated himself to excellence in his work, his deepest purpose and meaning came from his rich family life. He married the love of his life, Luanne Pace, in 2005 and they welcomed their wonderful daughter, Caroline Hay Hart, in 2006. The greatest joy of Jeff’s life was time spent with Caroline, whether in the day-to-day of fatherhood, special occasions, or watching her excel at equestrian competitions.

An avid sports fan, Jeff could often be found cheering on the Green Bay Packers or the Chicago Blackhawks, but no team came close to his beloved Carolina Gamecocks. He loved Star Wars and was known to brandish his light saber at visitors from time to time. A history buff, he particularly enjoyed learning about World War II history and took any opportunity to further his knowledge on the topic.  Jeff was dedicated to giving back in his professional and personal lives, but he also loved taking from his family—and excelled at it!—in a rousing game of poker.

A man of strong faith with a servant’s heart, Jeff’s commitment to helping others extended to his personal life. To know Jeff was to be able to count on him. He was always ready and willing to help friends and family with any project or provide a meal and listening ear to those who found themselves in need of either. In his last years, Jeff was determined to help others with ALS, giving back by raising funds through Team Hart with the ALS Walk and serving on the ALS Association Leadership Council, where he gave invaluable assistance to others navigating the complex medical system and provided his marketing and communication expertise to further the goals of the organization. He leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to care for his fellow man.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife and daughter, Luanne and Caroline; mother, Pat; sister, Julia Schlegel (Simon); niece, Lauren Ivey (Chris); uncle, Carroll Hart; aunt, Betty Hart; as well as numerous cousins and extended family members. He is predeceased by his father, David Lomax Hart, and sister-in law, Debbie Pace McCaskill.

Jeff’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Jeff’s care team, who provided him with amazing support through his battle with ALS: Dr. Leo McClusky and the incredible staff of Atrium Health ALS Center, his family physician Dr. Gregory Fulcher, the hospice team at Agape Hospice and the Lexington Community Hospice House, and his respiratory therapist, Heather Smith. Particular gratitude goes to Dr. Ahmad and the 8th-floor North Med/Surge staff of Lexington Medical Center for the wonderful care provided to Jeff during his final days, Dr. Virginia Cooper, and caregivers Alyssa Rodgers and Lameka Stevenson for their exceptional kindness and compassion. The family and friends who supported the family during Jeff’s illness are too numerous to name but their love has been, and continues to be, a blessing.

A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held Friday, June 21^st at 2:00pm at First Church of God in Sumter, SC, and will be led by his dear friend Pastor Ron Bower. The family will receive guests prior to the service at 1:00pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hart for Hope, c/o 127 Parish Walk, Elgin, SC 29045; a charity being established by Jeff’s family in his honor that serves ALS patients and their families.