E. Douglas Hart, Jr. Obituary (1949 - 2026)

E. Douglas Hart, Jr., 76, husband of Jeannice Wood Hart of Beaufort, SC, died Monday, March 9, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Hart was born on June 18, 1949, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is the son of the late Edward Douglas Hart, Sr., and Mary Katherine Armstrong Hart. Surviving in addition to his wife, Jeannice, is one son, E. Douglas Hart, III; one daughter, Julee Ann Hart; two brothers, Steven Thomas Hart (Lori) and George Wallace Hart (William); one sister, Deborah Jean Callery (Jack), and a sister-in-law, Ellen E Hart. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Aquinas Hart, in 2019. Doug graduated from Johnstown High School in 1967 and soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and proudly served his country in Vietnam from December 1968 until November 1969. Following his return from overseas, Doug was assigned to duties on the rifle range at Parris Island before being selected to serve as a Drill Instructor—an honor he held with great pride. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and continued his service until 1973. Before completing his military service, Doug married Jeannice, and the couple returned to Johnstown, New York, where they began building their life and raising their family. Doug began working in the family business at O’Connor’s Tavern before later joining his father at Baronet Litho. Over the course of his career, he rose to become President and CEO, leading the company until his retirement in 2006. In retirement, Doug remained deeply committed to service. He volunteered in several roles, including serving as Adjutant for the Beaufort DAV Chapter 12. He first volunteered as a driver and later became Director of Transportation for the local VA. (Ralph H. Johnson), a role he proudly held until the day he passed. Doug was also an active member of several military organizations, including AMVETS, the Marine Corps League, NOTR, and the East Coast DI Association of Parris Island. Doug enjoyed many activities in his civilian life, including bowling, hunting at Papa’s camp, fishing on Caroga Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake, and playing baseball, a sport at which he excelled. He relished a challenge, loved solving problems, and was never afraid to lead the way—qualities he demonstrated when he sailed AT EASE II down the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway with his wife and his brother Steven. Golf was another passion he shared with his son and his brother Tom, and all three proudly hold titles at Nick Stoner Golf Course. In later years, Doug found a new way to continue enjoying the game, building lasting friendships with players from around the world through online golf with the OCGL. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon in Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors. We will be gathering for a Celebration of life in Johnstown at a later date. Please feel free to share a short story or a comment on this obituary or his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/doug.hart.75 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Doug’s name to the Beaufort DAV Chap. 12, P. O. Box 392, Port Royal, SC. 29935. Click this link to view additional details about Edward's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/edward-hart-jr