Lieutenant Commander USN Homer B. Hirt, Jr. (Ret.)
Lieutenant Commander USN Homer B. Hirt, Jr. (Ret.)
Lieutenant Commander USN Homer B. Hirt, Jr. (Ret.)
December 14, 1929 – December 10, 2025
Lieutenant Commander Homer B. Hirt, Jr., Ret., age 95, passed away peacefully at home on December 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of the Florida Panhandle, a steadfast public servant, and a cherished pillar of Jackson County, Homer lived a remarkable life defined by service, integrity, wit, and an unwavering devotion to the people and places he loved.
Born in Chattahoochee, Florida, on December 14, 1929, Homer graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 1947 and went on to earn a degree in Economics from Florida Southern College. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, where he began an active-duty deployment during the Korean War, then went on to complete Officer Candidate School, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His pride in his service—and in the lifelong bonds formed aboard the U.S.S. Tweedy & U.S.S. Saufley—remained one of the great joys of his life.
After the Navy, Homer returned home to work alongside his parents at the Chattahoochee Ford Motor Company. He went on to build an influential career tied to economic development and the waterways of the region. He served as Port Director of the Jackson County Port Authority and later as a consultant with the Georgia Ports Authority, contributing significantly to growth throughout the Panhandle and beyond. Following his career in waterways, he began writing for the Jackson County Times and then served as Editor pro tem. Following his stint as editor, Homer continued story-telling and started publishing biweekly "Meanderings by Homer" which developed quite a loyal following.
He had a deep sense of civic responsibility and was involved in many church and civic endeavors. Homer’s decades of service were recognized through numerous honors, including being named Citizen of the Year in 2010 by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, he was awarded the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to a man whose influence, leadership, and generosity shaped his community for generations.
Homer was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer B. Hirt, Sr. and Rossie A. Hirt, and by his beloved wife, Theresa L. Hirt. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Meredith Tharpe (Ladd), Ashlee Schoch (Bryan), and Mark Hirt; grandchildren Mark Hirt II, Tristan Tharpe, Landon Tharpe (Alyssa), and Eva Schoch; and great-grandchildren Coper, Sadie, Monroe, and Quinton Tharpe.
Homer lived an extraordinary life full of purpose, service, and stories that will be told for years to come. His family, his community, and the Florida Panhandle are immeasurably better because he was here. His legacy will forever be one of honor, generosity, steadfast leadership, and a life profoundly well lived.
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Services will be held at the First United Methodist of Chattahoochee on Saturday, December 13 ,2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00PM CT with the memorial service starting at 2PM CT.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Homer & Theresa Hirt Memorial Scholarship at the Chipola College Foundation in Marianna, Florida.