Mr. Clarence Joseph Hart, "C.J.", was born on May 19, 1949 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Sarah McCracken Hart and Joseph Lee Hart. He was affectionately known as "Butch" by his family. C.J. succumbed to a long battle of illness on April 20, 2023 at Trellis Supportive Care.

CJ graduated from Anderson High School in 1968.  In high school he played football ad baseball.  He was an avid sports fan and a political enthusiast.  After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and r4eceived an honorable discharge. He was a dedicated employee of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and retired after many years of service.

He was a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and a devoted Christian.  CJ loved his church and he loved the Lord with all his heart.  You can truly say, he was a soldier in the army of the Lord.  He carried a backpack with him and when asked what was in it, he replied my ammunition" which included his bible and his study bible. CJ was a faithful servant of GMBC until his health declined. He was a member of the Galilean Choral Ensemble, Male Chorus, the Youth Choir, and he taught during Vacation Bible School.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Sandra L. McCracken and Jimmice H. Jones; his son, Clarence J. Hart, II; and his daughter, LaRhonda M. Hart.

Those remaining to celebrate his life and treasure wonderful memories are his loving wife, Melinda Hart; two stepdaughters, Candice Werts and Gabriel (Candice) Oglesby; four grandchildren, Jashaun Hart, Jessean Werts (of the home, affectionately known by CJ as William), Aria Nelson-Oglesby, and Coda Oglesby all of the city; four sisters, Barbara W. McCracken and Zenobia M. Walker of Hampton, VA, Linda R. Lindsay and Vera H. (David) Wardlow of the city; three brothers, Minister Silas (Kay) Hart of Spartanburg, SC, Elder Sherman (Wanda) Hart, an Pastor Paul (Sandra) Hart of the city; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Rucker and Minister Theretha Werts of the city; three brothers-in-law, Steve Grimes and Willie Werts of the city, and Robert Werts of British Columbia, Canada; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Monday, April 24, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Nathan Scovens officiating. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.