Lee Barton

J. Lee Barton, 62, went home to be with the Lord, March 21, 2016, surrounded by his wife, children and family. Born and raised in Hartwell, Georgia, Lee played football at the local high school, and learned his family's business from the ground floor. After graduating from the University of Georgia, this 4th generation leader of Hart Telephone Company returned home to run the company, which now helps to support more than 70 families with jobs in Hartwell. Upon graduation from The University of Georgia, Lee began working full time at the company.

Lee was an industry veteran of 40 years, was the Chairman of the Board of Lintel, Inc., which is the holding company, for Hart Telephone Company, a 10,000 line Local Exchange Carrier in Northeast Georgia; Hart Communications, an Internet service provider and long distance reseller company; Hart Cable Company, and a partnership interest in the Northeast Georgia Cellular RSA.

Along with Lee's success with his company, he also served as President of the Georgia Telephone association and was an active board member for many years. He served as a Board Member of OPASTCO, a national telephone industry association. Lee was always an active member of the community and active leader where he served as President of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Hartwell Industrial Authority, and President of the Hartwell Rotary Club.

Lee Barton is survived by wife, Kim Barton, children, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Griffin, and grandson, Hudson Barton; mother, Betty Barton Barker, and stepfather, L.E. Barker; sister, Lynn Pruitt, brother-in-law, William Pruitt, and nephews, Lee and Patrick Guarnella. His father, Jack Linder Barton, preceded him in death.

His family described Lee as a giving and humble man, who was dedicated to his family, his business and friends, and the Hartwell community, but most importantly, his heart belonged to the Lord. Lee was known for having the desire to help anyone who was in need and will be forever missed, but his mark on the Hartwell community will last forever. Lee leaves his family with a legacy of countless stories his children will tell for generations to come.

A memorial service will be will be held for friends of the family at First United Methodist Church, 200 Howell Street, Hartwell, Georgia, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 3:00 PM. Dr. David Holt, Living Hope Church, Athens, Georgia officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, Lee would like donations to be sent to LIVING HOPE CHURCH (Capital Fund), 2150 Lexington Rd, Athens, GA, 30605