Joe Lee Hart

Joe Lee Hart “Sonny”, age 78, of Navarre, Florida, entered into eternal rest at 3:07 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at HCA Fort Walton Beach Hospital in Florida.

Joe Lee Hart was born on October 26, 1947, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Willie D. Hart, Sr. and Bessie Mae Hart. Joe was affectionally called “Sonny” by his mother. His parents later moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where he was raised.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965, Joe was awarded a mathematics scholarship to attend Florida State University. Instead of pursuing college at that time, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force at the young age of 17.

Joe met the love of his life, Stella Mae Hart, at his first duty station at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. They were married by a justice of the peace on September 15, 1966. Throughout his military career, they traveled the world together, relocating every two years and building a lifetime of cherished memories. Joe proudly served during the Vietnam War and returned home safely to his family. Over his distinguished 26-year career in the United States Air Force, he earned numerous medals, awards and commendations, ultimately retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt). At the time of his passing, Joe and Stella had shared 59 beautiful years of marriage.

Joe was a God Fearing, loving husband, a firm but devoted father, and a steadfast protector and provider for his family of five. Though private by nature, he deeply cherished time spent with loved ones. He enjoyed freshwater fishing, cars, chess, dominoes, pool, pinochle, buttered popcorn, and cheering for his beloved Las Vegas Raiders. He loved all kinds of music, and one of his favorite pastimes was DJing—whether for special events or simply for his own enjoyment.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Willie D. Hart, Sr. and Bessie Mae Hart; one brother, Willie D. Hart, Jr. (“Boochie”); and one sister, Ellen Hart.

He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, his wife, Stella Mae Hart; children, Mark Derrick Hart of Honolulu, Hawaii; Tarsha Lee Jenkins (Donald) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; and Shimone Denise Cobb (Rasnizi) of Palm Bay, Florida; grandchildren, Imari Hart; Leeathony Jenkins (Elysha); Briana Jenkins (Michael); Jaden Jenkins; Justin Jenkins (Anya); Re’Ane Cobb, Takara Cobb; and Carlissa Cobb; great-grandchildren, Ali’ikai Hart; Minoru Hart; Hekili Hart; Harmony Jenkins; Josiah Jenkins, Zephaniah Cobb and Zedekiah Cobb; one brother, Terry Hart (Yvette) of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters-in-love, Benny Garcia (Frank, deceased) of Wyoming, Michigan, and Soha Parker (Harold) of Navarre, Florida. He will also be deeply missed by his devoted aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

Joe’s legacy of love, service, strength, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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