Royce Lafayette Hart

Royce Lafayette Hart was born September 13, 1925 at the home of his parents, G. L. (Feddie) and Sevie Puckett Hart, in Simpsonville, Texas. He went home to his Savior on December 20, 2017, at age 92. He was the third of six children and the oldest son. From his many stories that he would tell others to explain spiritual truths—the family called the stories “Papaw’s Parables”--it is clear that he enjoyed his youth in Simpsonville and that he was a born philosopher.
At age 18, he volunteered to serve in World War II, but due to his blindness in one eye, he was not accepted for service. Still determined to serve his country, he went to Orange, Texas to build ships. Ironically, at age 29, he would be drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in France during the Korean War.
In his mid-twenties, he began dating the love of his life, Jeanene Spencer. She was seven years his junior, and immediately after she graduated from high school, they were married—on February 9, 1951. To this union were born Deborah and David.
After serving in the army, and in his thirties, Royce set out to receive a college education. He graduated from Kilgore College and then from Texas A&M University.
In keeping with his interest in agriculture, Royce’s vocation included jobs with the Texas Soil Conservation Service, Upshur Rural Electric, International Harvester, and Texas A&M.
Devoted to God, Royce served most of his life as a deacon and Bible teacher. In Gilmer, he also served faithfully for 15 years as a volunteer chaplain at Gilmer Care Center, and many residents called him their “preacher.” He was a past president of the Gilmer Kiwanis Club as well.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 66 years, Jeanene Hart of Plano; his children Deborah McCollister and Mackie, of Arlington, and David Hart and Julie, of Plano; his grandchildren Luke and Carrie McCollister, Houston; Daniel and Anna McCollister, Carrollton; Spencer Hart and fiancé Jessica, Dallas; and Madison Hart, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Erin McCollister. His sister Dorothy Hackler preceded him in death, and surviving are his other siblings: Jewel Matkin of Lindale; Arlis Hart and Curtis Hart, Gilmer; and James Melvin Hart, Forney.
Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, Gilmer, on Friday, December 22, 11-12. Services will be held at the church at 2 p.m. Pallbearers will be Luke McCollister, Daniel McCollister, Spencer Hart, John Hart, Richard Matkin, Jimmie Hackler, and Mike Hart. The Rev. Marion Palmer will officiate. Croley Funeral Home is coordinating arrangements.
For those who prefer to give memorials other than flowers, the family requests gifts to Mission Arlington, Dallas Baptist University, or Texas A&M University.