DR. JOHN L. TART
Oct. 30, 1927-April 11, 2015
Dr. John Lisker Tart, 87, passed away peacefully at his home early Saturday morning, April 11, 2015, surrounded by his family.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Selah Christian Church followed by a service celebrating John's life at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Selah Christian Church with Pastor Patrick Muston officiating. Interment will be on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.
John was born in Wayne County on Oct. 30, 1927 to the late Lisker and Minnie Mae Denning Tart. He lived a life of dedication to his family and friends, and to his community. John was involved in his community in many ways from serving on the North Carolina Legislator for four years, the Wayne County Commissioners for eight years and the North Carolina State Board of Education for eight years.
After graduating with three degrees from North Carolina State University, John became a strong advocate for education and served as president for 29 years at Johnston Community College. John enjoyed the opportunities given to him by helping to impact the lives of so many students in making their choices for a career in life.
He was a member of the Mill Creek Masonic Lodge #125 in Newton Grove, the Grantham Grange and had served as the secretary and treasurer of the Grantham Volunteer Fire Department.
John was a rare treasure to his family and friends. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. John shared many wonderful stories and teaching experiences with his children, grandchildren and the children of the church. He was always the first person to respond to anyone in need. As a life-long member of Selah Christian Church, he was instrumental in many programs and was a strong stabilizing force in all church operations and functions. He served on the board of Selah and as a Sunday school teacher for over 65 years.
John was awarded many awards for his hard work in education and his service to the community. Governor Jim Hunt awarded John the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and one of his proudest moments was when he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the North Carolina State Future Farmers of America Foundation in 2014.
John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie Stevens Tart; sons, John L. Tart II and wife, LaRue and Denny Tart; daughter, Dianne Thornton and husband, Kenneth; grandchildren, Dr. Jason Thornton, John L. Tart III, Stephen Tart and wife, Brooke, Whitli Huerta and husband, Eddie, and Caroline Tart; and a great-grandchild, Izabelle Huerta. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah Lewis of Wilson and Tillie Oliver of Rosewood.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Tart.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Selah Christian Church Scholarship Fund, c/o Jean Hollowell, 3304 Stevens Mill Road, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 12, 2015 3:03 PM