Hardy Overton, Sr.

Hardy Overton, Sr., second of six children to Johnny Overton and Onice Carradine Whitmore, was born in Wisner, Louisiana on March 22, 1934. He attended elementary school in Winnsboro, Louisiana, McIntyre Junior High School and Bowman High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi. After high school graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force on August 13, 1952 proudly serving as a Staff Sergeant (SSGT) and fire fighter for over twenty years. During his tenure in the Air Force, Hardy, Sr. was stationed at Sondrestrom Air Force Base, Greenland; Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Vincent Air Force Base, Arizona; Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, and in England. Upon returning to Austin, Texas he retired at Bergstrom Air Force Base on May 11, 1972. Hardy, Sr. confessed his love for Christ at an early age in Wisner, Louisiana and was baptized at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In 1968, Hardy, Sr. and his family joined David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend James E. Obey, Sr. Ordained as a deacon, Hardy, Sr. grew to love his church and enjoyed serving others. When Reverend Obey passed away, Hardy, Sr. embraced a new pastor,the beloved Reverend Joseph C. Parker, Jr. Under Pastor Parker's leadership Deacon Overton was involved in the Platinum Plus Senior Adult Ministry, the Men's Ministry, the Outreach Ministry, and as Coordinator of Wednesday Noon Bible Study. Additionally, he dutifully served as Chairman of David Chapel's Finance Committee and received "Man of the Year" recognition in 2005. Hardy, Sr. worked as a store manager for Seven-Eleven and in sales at Sears and Builder's Square. He retired from Builder's Square in 1997. Hardy, Sr. then used his "handyman" services throughout the community, going beyond his craftsmanship and fostering long-lasting relationships. The Christian principles Deacon Overton strived to achieve in his ministry were the same ones he instilled in his family. As a proud and supportive father, through love and discipline, he taught his children the value of hard work and service, respect for others, responsibility, confidence and unity. Deacon Overton is preceded in death by his loving parents Johnny Overton and Onice Carradine Whitmore; his adopted "Mother Gregg" Rena Harrison Gregg; sister, Lillian Kaye Williams (Leonard), and nephew, Clinton Furlow, Jr. Hardy, Sr. leaves behind his wife, Johnnie Mae Overton and mother of his children, Betty Jean Overton; Hardy, Jr. (Stephanie), Richard (Patricia), Dorothy, Michael, Clarissa, & Kerry (Anita); Stepchildren: Derrick Bell, Vickie Bell-Richardson; Adopted daughters: Demaris Brown and Gail Collins; Sisters: Pearlie Mae Furlow (Clinton); Lena Simpson (Robert); Juanita Whitmore; Phyllis Givens (Dexter); Barbara Overton; Brother: Anthony Overton; Grandchildren: Eric Overton; Jaki Overton; Torrey Overton; Quincy Smith; Monique McNeece; Justin Overton; Kevin Overton-Hadnot; Keith Overton-Hadnot; Jordan Overton; Jocelyn Overton; Kyle Overton; Joseph Overton; Step Grandchildren: Ben Bell; Kris Bell (grandson); Dremessia Bell (grandaughter); Ciera Polk; Alexis Bell; De'Marco Richardson; Ashley Bell; Zykira Bell (grandaughter); Great Grandchildren: Bethany Smith; Kamora Overton; Jaxon Greeno-Overton, Torrey Overton, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.