Plenty of tears were shed for Johnny Hart.

But many laughs were shared too.

A fitting tribute for a man who brought so many smiles through his B-C and other comic strips.

Inside the church, Bobby Hart remembered her husband of 55 years.

"I pray that you, my family, friends, and fans of B.C., and of John, have enjoyed the last 50 years as much as I have," said Bobby Hart.

The service was held in Nineveh Presbyterian Church.

It's where Hart worshipped for many years, and taught a Sunday school class.

During the funeral, Reverand Emrys Tyler handed everyone a peppermint candy.

The same kind Hart always gave to his church friends on Sundays.

"Johnny's faith stood at the center of his faith and joy. He understood that he had been given life as a gift from the Lord, and wanted to give that gift in every way, to others," said Rev. Emrys Tyler.

"My kids have been in his Sunday school classes, and while he's teaching the class he'll be doing a tango up in front of the chalkboard. He just had a way of reaching people," says Donald Erckert of Nineveh.

Lifelong friend Charlie Kelley says he was numb when he learned of Hart's death.

"Just the way be believed in things, the way he did things, he was just an incredible man. And I love the part he played in this community. He never forgot where he came from," says Kelley.

Johnny Hart may be gone, but many of his creations and B-C characters remain to keep his memory alive.

Hart was buried at the Nineveh Presbyterian Cemetery.

He's survived by his wife Bobby, and two daughters Patti and Perri.

Johnny Hart was 76 years old.