MADISON, Mississippi - Joe Phillip Hart, affectionately known to many as “Big Joe,” passed away on January 10th, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson. He was 84 years old and a longtime resident of Madison.
Joe was born on November 20th, 1941, in Brookhaven, to Fredrick William Hart and Mary Rials Hart. He attended the University of Mississippi for two years before entering military service. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army, USAR Signal Corps, from July 1962 until March 1968.
Joe dedicated more than 35 years of his professional life to Entergy, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. Outside of work, Joe cherished life’s simple routines and, above all, time spent with family. He especially enjoyed his daily morning coffee accompanied by the Clarion Ledger crossword puzzle, a tradition he faithfully kept for most of his life. Coffee time with family and weekly Thursday coffee gatherings with his siblings were among his most treasured moments.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Frank Hart, Jesse Hart, Charles Hart, Earl Hart, Clayton Hart, Harold Hart, Paul Hart, and Jerry Hart; and his sisters Verna Mae Tucker, Iva Ruth Davis, Sarah Bell Miller, and Mary Neil Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Denise Sweeney (Mike), Charles Hart, and Fred Hart (Mauri); seven grandchildren: Ashley Lawrence (Mitch), Davis Magee (Shelby), Thomas Hart, Lauren Hart, Bry Hart, Walker Hart, and Leland Hart; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Joe’s caregiver, Vera Johnson, for her compassion, dedication, and loving care.
A celebration of Joe’s life was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Easthaven Cemetery.
Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.
