William L. (Bill) Hart, a life long resident of Ruston, Louisiana passed away on July 15, 2017, peacefully at LSU Medical Center with his wife, Beth, and son, Christopher, by his side.\t Bill was an outstanding creative designer and artist that made his livelihood designing and manufacturing custom light fixtures, furniture, and decorative accessories. He founded Hart Country Shop and later became the owner of Hart Associates while serving as the head designer. Years later he partnered with his brother and they ran the business together until Bill retired in 2004. Besides having many artistic talents, Bill was a private airplane pilot and an avid motorcyclist. He was also a veteran in the U.S. Army Engineering Battalion in France from 1958-1961. However, his fondest passion and memories were traveling with his wife, Beth, especially on their annual European vacations. Bill enjoyed reliving adventures and trips while sharing stories with family and friends. He had a passion for reading and loved sharing his wealth of knowledge to anyone who would listen. He was a man with exceptional spirit & vivre.\tBill was preceded in death by his father Dux Y. Hart and mother Mary Elaine Spinks Hart, brother Gerald Hart, and sister-in-law Elsie Hart. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Beth Dupree Hart; two sons: Christopher B. Hart, and Will C. Hart and wife Kelly; one daughter: Rebecca Evans; 3 grandchildren: Maxwell Evans, Angelika Evans, and Emily Evans; two brothers, Charles Hart and Richard Hart; one sister Mary Watts and husband Bob Watts; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.\tServing as pallbearers will be: Casey Hart, Aaron Pylant, Tyler Breed, Robert Owens, Tanner Stark and Robert Lewis.\tVisitation will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston on July 19, 2017 from 11:00am to 12:30pm. There will be a private graveside service to follow at the Vienna Cemetery for family and close friends of his wife and children at 1:30pm. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity closest to your heart. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com