Rodney Lee Hart, 49, of Robinson, IL, formerly of Mount Carmel, IL, died at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at his home. He was born February 25, 1969 in Mount Carmel, the son of Jessie “Jack” & Rita (Lambert) Hart.
He was a 1988 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. Rodney went on to work in the oil field for several years and even ran his own service station in Mount Carmel, Hart’s Midway 66 for a time. After the service station closed, he continued working on cars, and was a self-professed “shade-tree mechanic”.
Few things brought him more joy than cooking out. He spent countless hours over the grill, and especially loved cooking for others. Anyone who knew him could attest to the fact that the man simply had a heart of gold. His heart was for people and he was always looking to be a help. As someone who struggled himself, he was especially concerned for those recovering from addictions. Though he was never wealthy, Rodney Hart lived a rich life. The light of his life will be missed by all who loved him.
Rodney is survived by his children, Tyler Hart (Pulaski, TN) and Kristi & Tanner McWhirter (JBER, AK). They were his world, and he loved them completely. He is also survived by the love of his life and mother of his children, Connie Wilson (Pulaski, TN); by his mother & step-father, Rita & Steve Adams (Robinson, IL); by his sister & brother-in-law, Carla & Adam Bachelor (Robinson, IL); by his step-siblings, Stephenie & Brad North, Stephen Adams, and Alicia & Chris Rhodes; by his nephews, Nathan Fryman, Jessie Fryman, and Zach Bachelor; by his special great-nephew and buddy, Jasper Fryman; as well as several extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hart on August 9, 2008.
A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will follow and will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Safirt officiating the service. Family and friends are encouraged to dress casually. A private family burial will follow at a later date at the Antioch Cemetery, rural Mount Carmel. Memorials may be made to Rodney’s memorial fund, with checks made payable to “Goodwine Funeral Homes”. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For more information, to share a memory or condolence online, or to donate to the crowdfunding campaign set up on Rodney’s memorial site, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
