Paul Hardy

Paul Hardy, 91, of Myrtle Ridge, peacefully made his journey to Heaven Friday afternoon, May 1, 2015, where he can now walk without fear of falling and see without the cloud of cataracts.

Paul was born Oct. 25, 1923, in Lawrence County. He was the oldest son of the late Russell and Lyda May Earls Hardy. He attended Windsor High School and later served as a medic and mechanic in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his service, Paul was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries sustained during a mortar explosion in Germany.

When he returned home, he went to Bald Knob Church one Sunday evening and offered a young Dorothy Reed a stick of gum. Soon afterwards, they were married in July 1946.

Paul worked for the Carlyle Tile Company for 20 years and later retired from Dawson-Bryant Local Schools in 1979. He was a member of Bald Knob United Brethren Church where he previously served as adult Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and trustee.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his younger brother, Robert Hardy; and an infant daughter, Carlyn.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Reed Hardy; one daughter, Paula Diana Humphrey and her husband Rodger; three grandchildren, Lance Humphrey, Lora Freeman and her husband Aaron, Timmy Humphrey and his wife Kristen; two great-grandchildren, Eilee and Eli Freeman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Hardy, Claudy and Geraldine Reed, Lee and Elaine Reed and Flora Bell Barker; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul was always ready with a joke or quick-witted comment and will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Kearns officiating. Burial will follow in Myrtle Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.