Augusta, GA – W. H. “Buddy” Lockhart, Jr., 72, husband of Lana Lockhart, entered into rest, Saturday, October 5, 2019, at his residence. 

Memorial services with Full Military Honors will be held Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 2:00 PM from Piney Mount United Methodist Church, 3065 Old Savannah Rd, Tennille, GA, with Reverend Wayne Usry officiating.

Mr. Lockhart, son of the late Mary Ellen Sheram Lockhart and William H. Lockhart, Sr, was born and raised in Tennille, GA, and graduated in 1966 from Washington County High School. He was drafted into the United States Army and served as a Military Police officer. He was in Saigon during the Tet Offensive and was later awarded the Legion of Merit by the Army.

He joined the Georgia Army National Guard which became his passion. Buddy was part of the initial Recruiting and Retention Team for the Guard and excelled in encouraging others to become part of the Guard family. He was Georgia’s Top Recruiter, winning the Chiefs 50 Award three years consecutively. He became area supervisor but never stopped recruiting.

Upon retiring from active duty, he went on continuing his life in the Guard, working with Family Programs during the Iraqi-Afghanistan War. Buddy was a leader and a problem solver and a compassionate comforter to the families of deployed service members.

Buddy was a member of Burns Memorial United Methodist Church and coached the Volleyball, Softball, and Basketball teams. He was instrumental in getting the Family Life Center built and later volunteered to clean it in order to keep maintenance costs low.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Lockhart, and his sister, Anne Flemister.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Drew Mimmie (Amy), Renee Rouse (Bob), Jarrod Mimmie (Susan), and Brantley Lockhart (Heather); his grandchildren Steven, Trent, Megan, Jennifer, Seth, Kirstin, Mabry, Adeline, Chris, Meghan, and Rodney; five great grandchildren; his sister, Ginny Smith (Dess); and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 9, 2019, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Emory Healthcare Transplant Center, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30332, attn:  6-T Transplant.

Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta, GA, 30906.