Leo Wesley Hardy

Mr. Leo Wesley Hardy, age 92, a loving husband, father, grandfather, Christian gentleman, of Elkin, passed away Saturday, April 01, 2017, surrounded by his family.  Mr. Hardy was born on May 29, 1924 last of eight children born to the late John Wesley “Wes” and Sena “Senie” Evelyn Brendle Hardy.  He was the grandson of the late James “Jim” Monroe and Sally Whitaker Hardy and John (Fletcher) and Lucinda York Brendle, as well as being a decedent of some of the oldest families in Surry and Yadkin counties.  His youth was spent on grain and tobacco farms along the Yadkin River near Boonville in Yadkin County and the Crutchfield and Little Richmond communities in Surry County.  At an early age, Mr. Hardy was at least a fourth generation member of his family to work as a grist miller assisting his father who was the general manager for a time of the Snow Creek Milling Company owned by Joseph Layne at the Little Richmond location.

Mr. Hardy was a veteran of the US Army Medics in World War II, serving in the South Pacific.  At the end of the war he helped to establish a hospital in South Korea.  In 1951 he founded Hardy Insurance, which his family carries on today.  He was actively involved at Grassy Creek United Methodist, as an Usher and church maintenance.  Mr. Hardy devoted his life to his wife and children.

Survivors include: his wife of 65 years, Wanda Jackson Hardy of the home; three sons, Elton Wesley Hardy and wife Gail of Matthew, Rodney Leo Hardy and wife Tracy of State Road, Reginald Lee Hardy and wife Manuela of Fort Lauderdale, FL; daughter, Pamela Hardy Marsh and husband Bill of Isle of Palms,  SC; eleven grandchildren, Courtney Marsh, Jackson Hardy, Luke Hardy, Abby Moses, Zach Hardy, Tanner Hardy, Jacey Taylor, Travis Williams, Adam Hardy, Nathan Hardy, and Priscila Hardy; one great-grandchild, Oliver Leo Hardy.

A funeral service will be held Monday, April 3, 2017 at Grassy Creek United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John Taylor officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 10346.  The family will receive friends Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grassy Creek United Methodist Cemetery Fund.