Billy Norville “Bill” Hart, age 85, of West Jefferson, passed away at his home on Friday morning, April 24, 2026. Born in Ashe County on Friday, September 20, 1940, he was the son of the late Edward Orville Hart and Estie Edna Carpenter Hart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Faye McNeill Hart; two brothers, Dean Hart and Denton Hart; and one sister, Shirley Jones.

Bill was known throughout Ashe County as a man of strong work ethic, quiet determination, and deep pride in his community. He was the longtime owner and operator of Bill Hart Construction, where he spent decades shaping the land and helping build the foundation for countless homes and developments. His work could be seen across the county, including notable projects such as Big Tree, Stone Bridge, Crown Pointe, and the Mountain Aire Golf Course. Through his skill and dedication, Bill quite literally helped lay the groundwork for the growth of Ashe County.

Outside of his work, Bill had a passion for preserving the heritage and traditions of the area he loved. He was a founding member of the Heritage Iron Club, where he enjoyed fellowship and sharing his appreciation for antique tractors and equipment. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend tractor and car shows, where he could often be found among friends who shared his interests. He also played an important role as a founding member of the Ashe County Farm Life Museum, where some of his own equipment remains on display—a lasting testament to his life’s work and love for farming and machinery.

Above all else, Bill cherished his family. He believed deeply in staying connected and took great pride in making sure his family gathered together, especially for their annual reunions. Those moments of togetherness were important to him, and his legacy will live on through the strong family bonds he helped nurture.

He is survived by one daughter, Jill Phipps (Heath) of Crumpler; two sons, Steve Hart (Penny) of West Jefferson and Russell Hart (Jennifer) of Crumpler; four brothers, Johnny Hart of West Virginia, Terry Hart of Fleetwood, Don Hart and Sammy Hart, both of Wilkesboro; one sister, Sue Barr of Mocksville; a special caregiver, Willadene Calhoun, four grandchildren, Heather Greene (Justin), Justin Phipps, Caleb Hart (Christina), and Ali Brown (Kent); five great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Russell Sheets, Rev. Tommy Dollar, and Rev. Russell Hart officiating. A private family burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm prior to the service at Ashelawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heritage Iron Club, c/o Mike Miller, 409 Cook Street, Jefferson, NC 28640 or to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Billy Norville “Bill” Hart will be remembered as a devoted family man, a respected businessman, and a proud steward of Ashe County’s land and heritage.