Ralph Hardy

Mr. Ralph Jefferson Hardy, beloved husband, father, grandfather and pillar of the Siloam community, died peacefully on January 1, 2023 at The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was 90 years old.

Ralph was born September 3, 1932 to John Harrison Hardy and Eliza Elizabeth (Betty) Willard Hardy. First and foremost a family man, Ralph dedicated his life to serving those around him. After being stationed in Germany as a Private First Class following the Korean War, Ralph founded Hardy Brothers Trucking in 1965 and began hauling produce up and down the East Coast. What started as a man with a truck and a dream grew into a team of more than 100 drivers and 60 trucks hauling goods across the country. It was Ralph’s dedication to his family, his employees, and his community that turned his one-man operation into an industry leader.

Ralph’s last year was full of life, love, and celebration honoring his quiet, servant leadership. Generations of family, friends, and truck drivers came together to celebrate his 90th birthday in September. Hardy Brothers Trucking was also selected to haul the 78-foot Capitol Christmas Tree from the Pisgah National Forest to Washington D.C. – a testament to Ralph’s hard work and service over the last 57 years.

He continued working in the office at Hardy Brothers daily up until his death, and is leaving his legacy in the capable hands of his son Eddie (President) and grandson Ryan (Vice-President). He was an active member of the Surry Shrine Club and lifelong member of Siloam Baptist Church.

Ralph entered into the kingdom of heaven and arms of his Savior on New Year’s Day with a trucker salute. He is survived by his loving wife Payge Whitaker Hardy, children Eddie Hardy (Lynne), Jill Hardy Dockery (Tim), and Jan Hardy Bowen (Harrell), grandchildren Ryan Hardy, Mallory Hobbs (Joe), Jessica Casstevens (Patrick), Hannah Chronis (Chuck), Tara Splain (Ryan), Luke Bowen (LeeAnna), and Leslie Badgett (Justin), and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.

The family will receive friends at Salem Baptist Church in Dobson on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 10:45am-12:45pm.   A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00pm and will be officiated by Rev. Jarred Seal and Rev. Bill Faw.  Private family interment to follow the service.

***Due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19, the Hardy family respectfully requests guests to wear masks***

In lIeu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery

PO Box 25

Siloam, NC 27047

or

The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home

945 Zephyr Road

Dobson, NC 27017

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Hardy, please visit our floral store.