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Life story

" Harry Smart was reunited with his beloved wife of 72 years on February 7, 2026.

While his passing brings profound grief to his family, they take comfort in knowing he is no longer burdened by physical pain or the sorrow of losing his wife and son. Harry was a man of deep faith, quiet resilience, and unwavering devotion to his family. Together with his wife, Gerry, he lovingly raised three children—Christopher Lee Smart, Kimberly Carlisle Smart, and Andrea Smart-Roberson—and cherished his role as grandfather to seven grandchildren: Jordin Hurtig, Jacob Smart, Rachel Smart-Gargasz, Hannah Smart, Nicholas Roberson, Carly Roberson, and John Roberson, as well as five beautiful great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Tom Smart, of Bourbon County, KY.

A Kentucky native, Harry grew up in Paris, where he worked on the family farm alongside his brothers, played high school football, held a part-time job at JC Penney, and courted his high school sweetheart. Shortly after graduating, he married Gerry Phillips and soon left for basic training with the United States Air Force. His military service included an initial assignment in Florida with the 82nd Air Sea Rescue, followed by overseas assignments in France and Germany as an aircraft mechanic. He later returned to the United States and was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was reunited with his wife and young son.

In 1955, Harry began what would become a remarkable 38-year career with the JC Penney Company. His work took the family from Kentucky to Ohio before they eventually settled in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Harry was deeply proud of his business knowledge and often said that you couldn’t be in management unless you understood how a business operated at every level. He spoke from experience, having worked as a stock boy, taking catalog orders by phone, selling women’s shoes, and mastering the art of fitting a man’s suit. He valued these experiences because they allowed him to genuinely relate to employees and customers alike. Through years of dedication and hard work, he became the General Manager of his first store in Fremont, Ohio. In 1980, he was asked to oversee the opening of a new store at Spotsylvania Mall in Fredericksburg, Virginia—a moment he considered the pinnacle of his career. Harry lived by the Golden Rule, and every interaction reflected his belief in fairness, honesty, and respect.

Harry retired from JC Penney in 1992, promising Gerry that they would travel the world—and they did. They shared many memorable trips with dear friends and enjoyed treasured family vacations to his favorite place, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In his free time, Harry loved golfing at Meadows Golf Course, fishing local lakes, photographing wildlife, playing Sequence with friends, and enthusiastically cheering on the University of Kentucky basketball teams. His commitment to service never wavered; he volunteered tirelessly throughout his life, serving as a board member for the Optimistic Club, Rappahannock United Way, and Goodwill Industries. He was the HCSC Foundation representative for retired JCPenney associates in the Mason Dixon region and most recently served as an Ambassador for Chancellor’s Village, where he lived with his wife.

Though Harry’s family is heartbroken by his passing, they are comforted knowing he is now reunited with his wife and son and at peace with the Lord and Savior to whom he was so devoted. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you honor Harry’s legacy by living by the Golden Rule—showing kindness, respect, and compassion to others.

Services will be held Friday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at The Presbyterian Church, 810 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia. "