Biography: Wesley "Neill" Hart Jr. passed away on March 10, 2023. He was born in Dermott, Arkansas on July 12, 1931.
Neill graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1953 as a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Neill had a passion for music and all things that had wings. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and entered flight training. He served as a First Lieutenant until his honorable discharge in 1962.
He retired from First National Bank as the EVP. He was responsible for building First National's tower now known as Region's tower, and the installation of the bank's first computer.
He served on the Little Rock School Board and was Superintendent of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church School where his father had served as a minister in the 1930s. He was also a member of the PHUMC Roundtable Sunday School class. He worked as a regional representative for Community Concerts, was a member of Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA), was a member of Arkansas Country Dance Society, and a charter member of Arkansas Scottish Country Dance Society. He met the love of his life at the 12th Night Ball and was married to Karen Konarski on April 19, 1986. He became the Manager of Konarski Chiropractic Clinic and participated in Chiropractic meetings nationwide.
Neill was predeceased by his father, Wesley Neill Hart Sr., his mother Jerrine Oats Hart, and his sisters Jerrine Hilliard and Hallie Jo Hart.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Konarski-Hart, his daughters Jean Marie (Brad) Millar, Laura (John) Mannarino, Linda (Stan) Cheyne, and his son Wesley Hart III (Christina). He has 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. A service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to PHUMC Caring Ministries, 4823 Woodlawn Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72205 or ASCA 11805 Birchwood Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
We all miss his cheerful voice. Rest easy Neill.