John Lewis Hardy
June 22, 1929 ~ April 8, 2015
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John Lewis Hardy, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He was born in Rocky Mount on June 22, 1929 to the late Robert Keeling Hardy and Mildred Lewis Hardy.
A 1948 graduate of Rocky Mount High School, where he played football and baseball and learned the competitive spirit that he exhibited in his life. After graduation he joined the United States Coast Guard. He also worked for Atlantic Coastline Railroad until he joined his father and brother at Central Caf. For the last 70 plus years he has partnered with his brother "Boot" at Central Caf. John's customers were his friends, Central Caf wasn't a job, but his way of life. He was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church and a founding member of Birchwood Country Club. He loved playing golf, hunting with his many friends and coaching Little League Baseball.
He loved his family, leaving to cherish his memory, is his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Womble Hardy of Rocky Mount; his daughter, Carol H. Radford and her husband Mike of Destin, FL; his son, Lewis Hardy and his wife Janet of Winston Salem; and five grandchildren, John Hardy, III, Jennifer Hardy, Julie Hardy, Amanda Radford and Melissa Radford. He is also survived by his sisters, Elaine H. Griffin and Dee Ann H. Smith both of Rocky Mount; and his brother, Robert "Boot" Hardy of Rocky Mount.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Following the visitation, a service to remember John will be held at 3:00 PM with Rev. Tim Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville.
The family would like to thank Dr. Doug Boyette, Stephanie Tamisiea, Shelley Rhodes, the staff of Hospice of Nash General and the love and attention of the staff at The Sterling House.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Hospice of Nash General, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 4/11, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 4/11, 3:00 pm
Cemetery
Forest Hill Cemetery
350 North 1st Street, Ext.
Nashville, NC 27856
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Central Cafe had and still does have the best hot dogs and cheeseburgers in the world. John met every customer with a smile and some friendly words. People that go to Central now are part of many generations that came before. The Hardy boys created an atmosphere that everyone felt comfortable in. Many cheeseburgers and a Hardy welcome could often turn a down day into an uplifting day. Thank you John for the pleasant memories. Bob Carr
Sorry to hear of the passing of John. You have our deepest sympathy. May the Lord bless and comfort each of you at this time. Joe and Mary Alice Trevathan Ezzell
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the Hardy family. I was saddened to hear of John’s death. I I knew John and Carolyn through Sterling House. Carolyn would attend Bible Study when she was not caring for John. I saw him as a gentle man with a lot of courage. I will miss seeing him especially when he was sitting in front of the fireplace, rest in peace John. God bless you Carolyn, and your family. `
Lit a candle in memory of John Lewis Hardy
The hard throwing right handed giant with a soft-gentle heart! RIP Big John. Weno
My thoughts, prayers & sympathy is with all of you…I have lovely memories of John & our golf days that I shall always cherish! May God be with & bless you all. Sincerely, John S Smith Jr.
John and Carolyn were always the first people I would try and visit on my returns to Rocky Mount. John was one of the outstanding persons in the class of ’48. He will be missed, but certainly memorialized at this years class of ’48 reunion…Thanks John for your contribution to Rocky Mount. Charles OBrien
Carolyn & Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May God grant you peace that only He can give.
We extend our heartfelt sorrow and condolences. We hold many wonderful memories of John. We are praying for peace and comfort for your family.
My family and I loved going to Central Cafe when i was growing up. Everyone there was so friendly and the food was wonderful. My mother, Elsa Dennis, still went there until her death last year. I went to High School with Lewis. I want to offer my sincere condolences on your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for your family that only God can provide. Sincerely, Laura (Dennis) Poore
Lit a candle in memory of John Lewis Hardy
Cry on my shoulder when you need to & I will cry with you. God & his son Jesus Christ, offers to let us cry on their shoulders. How great our pain is during the loss of our precious loved ones. God word gives us hope in our darkest hour. John 316, no other words are needed. What a great hope.
Hi my name is Kayla and I am a local bible teacher. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. There is a very comforting scripture at Isaiah 258. It says that soon Jehovah will swallow up death forever and that he will wipe away all of the tears. So we can all look forward to a time when death will be no more. I hope that this scripture can bring some true comfort during these difficult times.
Lit a candle in memory of John Lewis Hardy
Our Prayers and Thoughts go out to You. I grew up going to Central Cafe from the 60’s from when the location was on Thomas Street. John always treated my parents so well when they would visit him. My Mom (Evelyn Whitfield Adams) Now 94, the first thing she told me when I arrived at her home yesterday was about John’s Passing and the Past great memories she has of John over the years. Our Family will miss John, but not forget the footprint and joy he left on our lives. Fred Adams