Cochran – Lawton Hart Jr., age 80, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. at Hart Cemetery.

Mr. Hart, born in Bleckley County on November 11, 1945, was the son of the late Lawton Hart Sr. and Daisy Cranford Hart. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Helen Hart and his sister Mae Hodge. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Lawton was a member and deacon at Southside Baptist Church in Cochran, Georgia.

Survivors are his daughter, Stephanie (Jay) Petro of Eastman; his son, Phillip (Kimberly) Hart of Cochran; his grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) Byram of Byron, Gage Byram of Statesboro and Molly Hart of Cochran; great grandchildren, Brodeigh and Bentley Byram of Byron; and several nieces and nephews.

The family is at 143 Paula Drive, Cochran and will greet friends after the service Tuesday at Hart Cemetery.