Hartley Keith Phinney Jr.

Hartley "Hart" Keith Phinney, Jr., 87, passed away on March 15, 2026, in Gallatin, Tennessee, due to complications from congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Hart was born in Ames, Iowa, to Hartley Keith Phinney, Sr. and Fenella Ainslie Phinney. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from the University of Connecticut and later received his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1965 as an aviator flying helicopters. Following his military service, Hart turned his lifelong love of reading into a distinguished career as a librarian. Over the years, he worked for several respected institutions, including Princeton University, the Chevron Corporation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Colorado School of Mines, the Institute of Paper Science and Technology, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Hart was an active member of churches throughout his life, both during his Navy years and beyond. He served in many roles within his congregations and especially enjoyed singing in choirs and setting up church libraries. Being fond of big band music, he found great joy in dancing. In his personal time, he found joy in visiting national parks, cutting gemstones, growing roses, playing games and doing puzzles.

Hart was preceded in death by his parents, Hartley Keith Phinney, Sr. and Fenella Ainslie Phinney.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Alice Phinney; his sister, Francis Phinney Gullyes; his son, Hartley Phinney and his wife, Rebecca; his daughters, Dr. Leslie Phinney and Rev. Ruth McIntyre and her husband, Joel McIntyre; and his cherished grandchildren, Darcy Phinney and her husband, Alberto Juarez, Hartley Phinney, Mykal Phinney and her wife, Flora, and Reese Phinney.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an educational institution of your choice, in Hart's memory, to honor his commitment to helping people receive higher education.