In Loving Memory Of
Max Frater Hart
August 31, 1927 -
July 3, 2026
In the care of
Brackney Funeral Service
Max Frater Hart, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.
Born and raised in Crestview, Florida, Max spent much of his childhood between the hub city and the Hart family’s cattle farm, TiTi, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. It was there he learned the values of hard work, integrity, love of family, and respect for the outdoors. Those lessons guided him for nearly a century.
Max proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War. His service reflected the quiet sense of duty and patriotism that characterized his entire life.
After returning home, Max built a career working for MR&R Trucking Company and Nugget Oil Company in Crestview. Even while working full-time, he never gave up his passion for farming and cattle, remaining a dedicated hobby cattleman and farmer throughout his life. Max also had a lifelong love of many motorsports, including NASCAR where he always cheered for Dale Earnhardt or a least another Chevrolet. His adventurous spirit extended beyond watching races. Together with the “Hart to Hart” racing team and his son, Marcus, built and enjoyed a mud racing truck named “Blue Thunder,” and spent many years enjoying the excitement and camaraderie of mud racing.
Young people through several generations naturally gravitated to him, and he became a mentor to countless hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. Using TiTi as the backdrop, he generously shared his knowledge, teaching not only hunting and fishing skills but also patience, respect for nature, responsibility, and the value of hard work. The memories and lessons he created there will live on in the many lives he influenced.
Max was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Doris Williams Hart and son Mirick Duane Hart; parents Alexander Sampson Hart and Alice Frater Hart; brother Hayes Hart and sister Sybil Smith. He is survived by his daughter Myra Hart; his son Marcus Hart (Tina); three granddaughters; Lauren Strickland (Seth), Danielle Parrish (Brandon) and Madison Hart; along with six great-grandchildren; Blakely, Bentley and Barrett Strickland; Paisley, Senna and Ivy Parrish.
Max’s legacy is found not only in his family, but in the countless lives he touched through his mentorship, love of the land, willingness to share what he knew and the occasional prank pulled on those he loved. His stories, laughter, wisdom, sharp wit and deep appreciation for God’s creation will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the extraordinary hospice and memory care teams whose compassion, encouragement, and gentle care made it possible for Max to remain comfortable and at peace during the final chapter of his life. Their support was an immeasurable blessing and will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. from The Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Donnie Cadenhead officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service is entrusted with the arrangements.
You may leave a condolence at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Born and raised in Crestview, Florida, Max spent much of his childhood between the hub city and the Hart family’s cattle farm, TiTi, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. It was there he learned the values of hard work, integrity, love of family, and respect for the outdoors. Those lessons guided him for nearly a century.
Max proudly served his country during World War II and the Korean War. His service reflected the quiet sense of duty and patriotism that characterized his entire life.
After returning home, Max built a career working for MR&R Trucking Company and Nugget Oil Company in Crestview. Even while working full-time, he never gave up his passion for farming and cattle, remaining a dedicated hobby cattleman and farmer throughout his life. Max also had a lifelong love of many motorsports, including NASCAR where he always cheered for Dale Earnhardt or a least another Chevrolet. His adventurous spirit extended beyond watching races. Together with the “Hart to Hart” racing team and his son, Marcus, built and enjoyed a mud racing truck named “Blue Thunder,” and spent many years enjoying the excitement and camaraderie of mud racing.
Young people through several generations naturally gravitated to him, and he became a mentor to countless hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. Using TiTi as the backdrop, he generously shared his knowledge, teaching not only hunting and fishing skills but also patience, respect for nature, responsibility, and the value of hard work. The memories and lessons he created there will live on in the many lives he influenced.
Max was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Doris Williams Hart and son Mirick Duane Hart; parents Alexander Sampson Hart and Alice Frater Hart; brother Hayes Hart and sister Sybil Smith. He is survived by his daughter Myra Hart; his son Marcus Hart (Tina); three granddaughters; Lauren Strickland (Seth), Danielle Parrish (Brandon) and Madison Hart; along with six great-grandchildren; Blakely, Bentley and Barrett Strickland; Paisley, Senna and Ivy Parrish.
Max’s legacy is found not only in his family, but in the countless lives he touched through his mentorship, love of the land, willingness to share what he knew and the occasional prank pulled on those he loved. His stories, laughter, wisdom, sharp wit and deep appreciation for God’s creation will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the extraordinary hospice and memory care teams whose compassion, encouragement, and gentle care made it possible for Max to remain comfortable and at peace during the final chapter of his life. Their support was an immeasurable blessing and will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. from The Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Donnie Cadenhead officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 pm at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service is entrusted with the arrangements.
You may leave a condolence at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com