ROCKY MOUNT - Robert "Boot" Keeling Hardy, age 87, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on September 3, 1934, he was the son of the late John Keeling Hardy and Mildred Elizabeth Lewis Hardy. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Anne Cross Hardy; and his brother, John Lewis Hardy.
Boot and his brother, John, owned and operated Central Caf in various locations in downtown Rocky Mount for many years. The business was first started by his father in 1927 and Boot and John joined him in partnership as they became adults. Boot's customers were friends and he was blessed to have many in Rocky Mount and eastern North Carolina. He was talented mechanically, able to repair almost anything. He and his wife enjoyed auctions and the fun of finding something interesting and unique. In later years, he enjoyed spending time with great-grandchildren. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Corinthian Lodge #230.
Boot is survived by his daughter, Laura Hardy Earp (David); his son, Robert Keeling Hardy, Jr.; his granddaughter, Michelle Earp Beatty (Locke); great-grandchildren, George, James and Isla Beatty; and his sisters, Elaine Hardy Griffin and Dee Ann Hardy Smith.
A Celebration of Boot's Life will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams officiating. A visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and masking precautions be followed while inside the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Boot's memory to the hospice program at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex
300 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 1/15, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
A visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex.
Service
Englewood United Methodist Church
300 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 1/15, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Celebration of Boot's Life will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams officiating.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
So sorry for your loss. Boot and my Daddy were longtime friends from childhood and I am sure they are having a joyous reunion in heaven. I know he will truly be missed by all that loved him.
I will miss my brother in Christ he meant a lot to me also he was a Masonic brother I will see him in heaven when the time comes these teachings are out of the holy bible
Keeling, Laura – David and family…your mom and dad (Mr. and Mrs Hardy to me) were two wonderful people who were always willing to share a story or kind word. Talking to Mr. Hardy at the Cafe was always a treat. I am saddened to hear this and pray that you will have peace and comfort in the coming days.
My sincere sympathy to the family.
Have known and loved Boot most of my life. He was a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.
Our hearts are saddened with Boot’s passing. He’s been a family friend for too many years to count. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the family now and in the days to come.
In memory of Robert Boot Keeling Hardy, Gray and Bobby Marrow lit a candle
Dear Family, I have so many fond memories of Mr. Boots Hardy and his brother John. My father the late Billy Donaldson would often take me and my brother Jeff to eat at The Central Cafe. We had such wonderful fellowship with Mr. Hardy. He was always friendly and out going. He was a legend in Rocky Mount with his famous hamburgers and hot dogs. We all loved him and will miss him. Praying for his precious family. God bless! During this most difficult time in your lives, Just Trust Jesus! Because of God’s Amazing Grace, Ricky Donaldson, Pastor of Evergreen Baptist, Evergreen, NC.
My deepest sympathy to Keeling, and Anne. I lived next door to their parents for nearly 40 years. We looked out for each other. I ask God’s strength , peace and mercy be unto you and yours..
Nick’s son, Jim & Marla Lewis send our condolences to each of you. We are praying for you.