John Oliver Hardy Jr

John Oliver Hardy, Jr., surrounded by loving family and friends, left this earthly home for his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. He was born May 20, 1923 to the late John Oliver Hardy, Sr., and Selma Powell Hardy. Preceding him in death were his wife of sixty-eight years, Armentha Vick Hardy, his brother, Morgan Hardy, his sister, Frances Hardy Griffin, and his infant brother Douglas Hardy.

He is survived by sons Wayne Hardy and wife Jonah Faye of Red Oak, Kent Hardy and wife Sue of Nashville, Joe Hardy and wife Phyllis of Nashville, and daughter Susan Hardy Holland and husband Dean of Nashville, as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Besides being a devoted husband and father J.O. served the Lord faithfully as a deacon, teacher, and trustee at Southside Baptist Church for over seventy years. John was a Purple Heart recipient from World War II during his service in the European Theater.

The family wishes to thank both the staff at Brookdale Senior Living for providing compassionate care to Mr. Hardy for the last eighteen months, and Hospice of Nash General Hospital for their medical guidance and emotional support.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 17 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Johnson Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Wayne and Jonah Faye Hardy. The funeral service will be led by the Rev. Tom Hall, Dr. Harry Fowler, and the Rev. C.J. Cauble, in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home on Saturday, February 18, at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow immediately after the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park in Dortches, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hardy’s honor to Southside Baptist Church Building Fund, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, North Carolina.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.

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