Gerald Ray Hardee

Gerald was born on July 16, 1952, in Clayton, North Carolina, where he was born and raised and proudly called home for his entire life. Clayton was more than just the place where Gerald lived—it was home, and he was deeply connected to the community and the life he built there.

Gerald spent many years working in the automotive industry, including time with Sears and Leith. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and doing things the right way.

Outside of work, Gerald found happiness in the simple things. He loved being outdoors, fishing, mowing the lawn, and getting in the car just to ride around and feel the breeze and fresh air. He didn't need much to be happy. For Gerald, some of life's best moments were found in the ordinary days and the simple pleasures of being outside.

But above all else, Gerald was a dad and a granddad and brother. He was incredibly supportive of his children and was deeply proud of the families they had built.

He is survived by his daughter, Carrie Arnold, and his grandchildren, Mia Arnold and Owen Arnold; his son, Chris Hardee, and his wife, Kelly Hardee, and his grandchildren, Kensington Hardee and Carter Hardee.

Gerald's grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. He never missed a birthday. Every year, without fail, he would call first thing in the morning to wish each grandchild a happy birthday. And he always had the same special surprise for them—he would tell them that Grandad had put some money in the bank so they could go buy something they wanted.

Those calls, that generosity, and the love behind them are memories his grandchildren will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Gerald is also survived by his sister, Lori Johnson and her husband, Kirby Johnson, and his brother, Tim Hardee and his wife, Judy Hardee, along with two nieces and a nephew as well as extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Gerald will be remembered as a loving father, a proud grandfather, a supportive brother, and a man who found joy in the simple things in life. His family will remember his love, his generosity, his quiet support, and the countless everyday moments that made him who he was.

Though he is no longer here to make that birthday call, his grandchildren will always know how much their Grandad loved them.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 10:00 until 10:45 at McLaurin Funeral Home followed by an 11:00am graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, North Carolina.

In lieu of elaborate words, Gerald's family hopes he will be remembered the way he lived—with family close, the outdoors around him, and a little fresh air on his face.