For someone that almost single handedly created a new segment of the trade publishing industry, little is known about George Hart. In my efforts to compile a biography, I have reached out to numerous people that knew him and his wife Sammie at varying points during their lives. Through these efforts I have been able to fill in some gaps here and there, but much about Mr. Hart still remains unknown. As I write this, I am still searching for information and a photo to complete this article so please understand that this is a work in progress. If you have anything to add or you knew George Hart personally or professionally, I would love to hear from you.

A good friend and co-worker described George as a giant man with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. As a young man, George worked on rock crushers during the Vietnam war, likely preparing construction aggregate for runways and other various construction projects to support our front line troops during the war. It is during this time that George met his wife, Sammie. As co-author to the Ugly’s series, Sammie was instrumental in supporting George as he toiled away on revisions of the book that we have come to know so very well.

Stateside, George was an IBEW electrician out of Houston, Local 716. It was during his employment in an oil refinery that George began to compile his book; 20 years of personal notes and forumulas. The inspiration behind the title of Ugly’s Electrical References stemmed from a childhood nickname.  Apparently, while growing up, there were two George’s on his street.  When someone would mention the name, people would ask, “which one?”  To this they replied, “Ol’ Ugly George.”  This nickname carried through to adulthood as a badge of honor. Being the eternal jokester, George took ownership of his nickname and titled the book accordingly around 1977.

In the next decade, George partnered with Ron & Maggie Burleson, printers by trade.  During this time, with their help, Ugly’s became a brand name in electrical trade references.  Almost every electrician either had one in their toolbox or knew someone who did.  Survived by his wife, Sammie and his son George Jr., George V Hart passed away in 1992, leaving a legacy for thousands of electricians in the US and around the world.