Curtis Rayford Hart
November 9, 1952 ~ January 25, 2023
Born in:
Mobile, Alabama
Resided in:
Duluth, Georgia
Curtis Rayford Hart passed away on January 25, 2023, after a long illness at the age of 70 in Tucker, Georgia. He was born on November 9, 1952 in Mobile, Alabama where his family has deep roots. His father worked for the railroad and as a result Ray developed a deep passion for transportation. He was enthusiastic about airplanes. In the early 1970’s his family moved to the Atlanta area where he completed high school. Ray graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering and MS in Metallurgy. He worked for Department of Defense contractors at Lockheed-Georgia, Lockheed-California Skunk Works, and Boeing Rocket Systems.
Throughout his life he never used his first name in daily use. Ray always corrected people to call him by his preferred name. Even shortly before his death he corrected a nurse to call him Ray.
Throughout his long illness and endless pain, he never complained about his suffering. Whenever anyone did anything for him, he never missed an opportunity to thank them.
Ray loved his family. Although he was bed bound, Ray kept up with the lives of his family. He took joy in their accomplishments, especially those of his nephew and nieces. From time to time he gave them gifts and supported them as much as possible. Frequently, he sent flowers to his wife. He loved surprising her.
Everyone who knew him knew he loved Georgia Tech sports and followed them closely.
Once he required a wheelchair, he collected Georgia Tech clothing, and that’s what he wore for most outings. He complained constantly about wearing a hat to go outdoors one winter until his wife gave him Georgia Tech hat. Afterwards, Ray was happy to wear his Georgia Tech cap.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Curtis Woodrow Hart and Myrtle (Hanvey) Hart. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Teresa Atkinson Hart; sister Paula Hart King; nephew Brent King and his wife Brandy; mother-in-law Carolyn Atkinson; brother-in-law Keith Atkinson and his wife, Jaye; and nieces Robin and Rose Atkinson.
Donations may be made to the Church on Main Music Department in Snellville, Ga. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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Michael Miller
Ray was my teammate in Word Collect online. I’m glad he used his short name because he was a bright Ray of sunshine on the team. Always cheerful and contributing to our Team chatroom. My heart sunk when our leader Jen emailed me to let me know Ray had passed on. Heaven’s gain is a huge loss here. God bless you Teresa from Minnesota.
Ray was a good friend in high school and later. I am honored that he had pictures of the time he and Teresa went sailing with us on his Facebook page. RIP buddy.
Ray was a member of our online word group and we always had wonderful chats especially when it came to football and music. I will miss my chats with him. Hugs and prayers to his wife and family.
Jane Farero
I had the pleasure of working with Ray for several years. What a great guy. Always positive, with a friendly and outgoing demeanor. He had a “let’s do it” attitude, and there was no challenge he wasn’t up for. He was a great example of someone who had achieved so much in his life yet remained humble and approachable. He certainly enriched the lives of those around him. As a friend, and co-worker, he will be dearly missed.