PAUL W. HARTMAN, SR.

PERRY – Paul W. Hartman Sr., lovingly referred to as “Coach Hartman” for many years, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 89 years old. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Perry Methodist Church in Perry, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Perry Memorial Gardens where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Perry High School, Attn: Nancy Whiddon, 1307 North Avenue, Perry, GA 31069. Born on August 25, 1936, in Cuthbert, Georgia, Paul lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, generosity, a tireless work ethic, and a sense of humor that drew people to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, veteran, friend, teacher, coach, and administrator -- always ready with encouraging words and an unforgettable story. Paul graduated from Cuthbert High School in 1954 and went on to attend Piedmont College and Troy State College, where he played both basketball and baseball. He proudly served six years in the United States Marine Corps and continued his service in the Reserves during the early years of his teaching and coaching career. In 1959, Paul accepted a position as a Social Studies teacher, PE teacher, and coach at Perry High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Frances McKinney, whom he married in 1964. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. Both Paul and Fran dedicated their lives to the Houston County School System, where Paul served as a teacher and coach before later retiring as principal of Tucker Elementary. They retired together in 1997, enjoying 19 beautiful years of shared adventures before Fran’s passing in 2016. Paul was deeply woven into the history of Perry High School athletics. He served as assistant boys’ basketball coach under the legendary Eric “Fessor” Staples, who led the Panthers to eight state titles before his retirement. In 1966, during Paul’s first year as Head Coach of the boys’ basketball team, he guided the Panthers - affectionately known as the “Cardiac Kids” - to their ninth State Championship, a title that remains the school’s most recent boys’ basketball state win. His leadership, passion for the game, and lasting influence on generations of students and players are still remembered with pride. Later in his career, he completed his Education Specialist Degree in Administration from the University of Georgia. As an educator, Paul lived by the motto “Fair, Firm, and Consistent.” His influence extended far beyond the classroom or gym, shaping lives through the examples he set every day. Paul was a longtime member of Perry Methodist Church. Outside of school, he enjoyed raising and “running” beagles, fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He especially cherished coaching many of Christa’s and PJ’s basketball and softball teams over the years. In his later years, he looked forward to his daily morning McDonald’s breakfast with friends -- a routine full of laughter, stories, and fellowship. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn Newton Hartman and Emmie Mae Wood Hartman; an infant son, Mark Hartman; his loving and devoted wife, Frances M. Hartman; as well as three sisters and three brothers. Paul is survived by his children, Christa Hartman (Melissa) of Macon, and Paul “PJ” Hartman Jr. (Jennifer) of Perry; his beloved grandchildren, Mary Helen Hartman and Maggie Hartman, both of Perry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Visiting Angels staff and caregivers -- especially Nacasia Sparks and Stacey Corbin -- for their exceptional care and support, and to the many friends who called, visited, encouraged, and cared for Paul and his family throughout his illness. His memory will live on in all who loved him. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

PAUL W. HARTMAN, SR.

August 25, 1936 - November 28, 2025