Richard Banner Hart of Nashville, Tennessee

April 9, 1932 - December 18, 2024

Richard Banner Hart passed away on December 7, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born to Samuel Bruce and Cordia Lamb Hart on April 9, 1932. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean Shinn Hart, his daughter, Fabra Hart Belk (Sam), his grandchildren, Samuel Forbes Belk (Michelle), Elizabeth Belk Snyder (Andy), and his great grandchildren Richard Hart Snyder, Elizabeth Scott Snyder, Samuel Edward Belk, and Conrad James Belk.

Richard attended public schools in Winston Salem, North Carolina, before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both undergraduate and law school. He was drafted in the middle of his studies to serve in the U.S. Army. While an undergraduate, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and later was on its national board. Post graduate legal studies were many but were highlighted by his time at Cambridge University.

Richard began his legal career at Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1970, he moved to Nashville and worked as legal counsel and corporate secretary for National Life and Accident Insurance Company. After his retirement from NLT, he became special counsel for Bowne of Nashville. He finished his career as Judge for the city of Belle Meade. He was also very proud of being admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.

Richard belonged to West End United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served in many ways including chairman of the administrative board and trustee. He enjoyed tennis and golf with friends at Belle Meade Country Club. He especially loved sharing his many travels of the world and watching his beloved UNC Tar Heels play basketball.

Richard’s memorial service is Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation preceding the service at 1:00 p.m. at West End United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 or Alive Hospice of Nashville, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.