William Darriel “Bill” Hart of Sneads, Florida died in his sleep on June 30, 2023. Darriel was born in Sneads on September 13, 1937. He graduated from Marianna High School, class of 1956, and joined the US Navy in 1958. Over his two-decade naval career, Darriel earned numerous awards including Nation Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Sailor of the Year. He often spoke of his time on ships including the USS Tweedy and the USS Power. He served honorably, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class before retiring in 1978. Darriel lived across the US including time spent in Colorado and Houston, but most of his life was spent in Jackson County close to longtime friends and family. In retirement, his love of animals became his foremost passion as he fostered many German shepherds, Dobermans, and other cats and dogs who were fortunate enough to find their way to his door. He never passed up a chance to help another person in need. He collected stray people as much as he collected stray animals. He would drop everything to help a stranger. Darriel is preceded in death by his mother, Lela Hart, his father, James Whitfield Hart, Sr., his beloved aunts, and his many pets including dogs, Dutch and Shadow. Darriel is survived by his brothers, James Whitfield Hart, Jr. and Eddy Burl Hart, his children, Andrea R. Hart and Darren Marshall Hart, his granddaughter, Rebecca Hope McCormick, and his great-grandchildren, Angus Gray McCormick and Egan Hart McCormick. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Circle Hill Baptist Church, Sneads, Florida with Rev. John Holley. Interment will follow in the Circle Hill Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. A lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The family suggests that memorials may be made to an animal rescue of one’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com
