Don Lee Hartman
Don Lee Hartman, age 86 of Lookout Mountain, Georgia passed away on May 24, 2021 of natural causes.
Don Hartman was born in February of 1935 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended McCallie School, and was selected for the Founder’s Scholarship at Vanderbilt University, as well as scholarships at Duke University and the University of Virginia. Gradewise, he earned the class valedictorian distinction.
At Vanderbilt, Don was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Don transferred and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno where he pursued his interest in mining.
Don proudly served his country by entering into the military from 1959 to 1961, after receiving the highest (at that time) recorded score on the Marine Corps entrance exam. He was shipped to Okinawa, Japan where he served as Lieutenant Corporal.
After moving to New Mexico, Don applied and was accepted to Emory Law School. Upon graduation, he took a job with the Georgia Attorney General’s office, as an environmental lawyer, arguing cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and protecting the islands of Georgia.
Don then returned to Chattanooga, moving to Lookout Mountain. He joined the law firm that still bears his name in Rossville, Georgia: Harriss, Hartman. At the time, he was the only designated Expert in Worker’s Compensation in the state of Georgia. He received multiple awards for Distinguished Service from the Georgia State Bar Association. He authored “the Hartman Rule” which is well cited in law journals and accepted doctrine in multiple states.
Upon retirement, Don enjoyed serving as Municipal Judge for Lookout Mountain, Georgia for 14 years. His keen logic and sense of humor served as a guiding path for many miscreant residents.
Don was a member of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed his involvement with the Lookout Mountain Investment Club. In the 1980’s, Don served as Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party for the 7th District. He was instrumental in creating the West Brow Fire Department, serving as Chairman of the Board. He was an avid boater.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca Lynn Hartman, his children, Carl Hartman (spouse, Jamie) of Princeton, New Jersey, Tiffany Ramey (spouse, Blair) of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Traci (spouse, Andrew) Jacobs of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Travis Hartman of Chattanooga, Tennessee and grandchildren: Alex Ramey, Patrick Ramey, William “Spoon” Jacobs, Katherine “Kaki” Jacobs, Hudson Hartman, Wyatt Hartman, John Hartman and Allison Hartman, as well as a niece, Dana Sengbush of Mesa, Arizona and godchildren, Miller Aaron and Peyton Arnold. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Viola Hartman and his sister, Geraldine Buell.
The visitation will be held at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 29. A service will follow at the church chapel. A private burial service for family and close friends will be held at Forest Hills cemetery.
Donations can be made to the West Brow Fire Department, 9929 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.