Riley M. Hardy, 88, passed away peacefully at home and went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 23rd, 2023. He was born in Dothan, Alabama as one of three children to parents Dr. Willie C. and Flossie Hardy on September 9th, 1934.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Willie C. Hardy Sr., his mothers Flossie(Arnold) and Adelaide(Whiddon), his sister Grace(Hull) and brother Harold Taylor. He is survived by his brother Willie C. Hardy, Jr. of Tallahassee, Florida.
Born in Dothan, Alabama, he graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee and attended Florida State University for a short time. He joined the US Air Force at 19 to serve his Country, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant growing in his passion for serving others. After moving his family to Bradenton, Florida in 1961, he began a long and successful career with AFLAC until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marcia Hardy(Fletcher), Paul Hardy(Lynne), Dan Hardy (Kay Kay), Piney Standard (Kirby), Andy Norton (Misty), Sam Norton (Jane) and Natalie Warneke (Ed) along with 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Riley was a family man with character, integrity and a soft spoken soul. Throughout his life, he had a passion for serving others in the community. Beginning in 1952 at age 18, he achieved the Eagle Scout award and grew in his love of community service through his Church, Civitan, Helping Neighbors and Kiwanis. He was a Shriner and past Master of Bradenton Lodge #31 F&AM. He enjoyed living in Florida and Lake Lure, NC and loved to travel. His passions included boating, fishing, hunting, and a lifelong love for growing Orchids.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital or The Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Services will be held Tuesday March 7th at the Church of St. Patrick Catholic Church, 7900 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 at 11:30am with family greeting visitors starting at 10:30am. Interment will follow at the Veterans National Cemetery in Sarasota, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 1:30 pm please arrive 15 minutes before service time. Riley will be laid to rest in Sarasota National cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Hardy family.
