Raymond T. Hartman Jr.

Raymond T. Hartman, Jr., age 75, of Lebanon and formerly of Tennessee, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Ray graduated from Springboro High School, class of ’66, where he played on the first official football team. He honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Dayton and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service to the corporation. Following his retirement from GM, he served as a United Methodist Church minister in Kentucky and Tennessee for an additional 15 years. Ray was outgoing, talkative, caring, friendly, and nurturing. Growing up, he led singing and Bible studies at church, ultimately becoming a minister in his later years. An avid reader, he greatly enjoyed reading historical fiction, thriller novels, and, of course, the Bible. He especially enjoyed reading the Jack Reacher thriller novels, which led to a special bond with his son due to their mutual love of the series. He also enjoyed woodworking, scrolling through Facebook, and sports of all sorts, especially the Atlanta Braves, the Tennessee Titans, and the University of Tennessee teams. Ray had a competitive spirit, even with his grandchildren, and loved a fast-paced game of ping pong. In addition, whenever getting together with family, he always looked forward to playing the dice game Zilch and the card game Five Crowns. He also loved the traditional family get-togethers during Christmas and the many outdoor barbecues when the weather was nice. While he wasn’t the type to go on vacations, Ray was always proud that he made it to the Holy Land. He was also proud of becoming a Methodist minister, whereby he left a steady job at GM and followed his faith and love for the Lord to spread the word of God through his love and care of people. Among many things, he will also be remembered for his collection of crosses and nativity scenes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Hartman, and one brother, Mark Hartman. He is survived by his son, Nathan (Holly) Hartman; daughter, Emily (Neil) Art; four grandchildren, Sydney Hartman, Spencer Hartman, Jordan Art, and Lily Art; three brothers, Michael (Susan) Hartman, Charles Hartman, and Robert (Amy) Hartman; three sisters, Jean Hartman, Judy (Dan) Alexander, and Merry (Rick) Thornsburg; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and close friends. Private family services will be held at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.