Wallace Lee Hardy, Jr

MEMOIR

Wallace Lee Hardy, Jr.

Wallace Lee Hardy Jr., of 6358 Old Stage Highway, Smithfield, Va., departed this life Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 9:11 a.m., at his residence, after a period of declining health, surrounded by his loved ones.

Wallace, affectionately known as “Pig,” was born on Feb. 4, 1942, in Isle of Wight County to the late Wallace Lee Hardy Sr. and Grace Lee Jefferson Hardy. They together introduced him to Christ at an early age, when he became a member of First Gravel Hill Baptist Church. As a young man, Wallace met the love of his life and high school sweetheart Gloria Jean Edwards, whom he married on March 24, 1962. From this union they were blessed with two loving daughters — Walise Hardy and Kimberly Hardy, and one loving son, Wade Hardy Sr. (Cecily).

Wallace was a diligent man, making sure his family was always taken care of. He spent five years working for Smithfield Packing as a truck driver and then went on to become a machinist for Newport News Shipbuilding where he worked for 52 years until retiring. If he wasn’t working, he spent the majority of his time out in his yard, admiring all the hard work he put in keeping his lawn in pristine condition. Wallace was an avid car lover and took pride in his vehicles. He always kept them in showcase condition. One of his favorites was the 1979 Ford F-150 he called “Big Red.” In his younger years, he loved oystering with one of his favorite uncles, spending time with his family going on the yearly trip to Florida, hosting his annual Fourth of July cookouts, and spending his Sunday’s watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He and his wife became avid travelers in their later years, going on numerous bus excursions and cruises. Two of his favorite destinations for cruising were to the Hawaiian islands and the island of Aruba.

Imagining his smile, and while he wasn’t a man of many words, we still question whether he would want us to feel sad. Instead, we choose to be happy knowing that he was greeted with open arms and reunited with so many loved ones that have gone before him—including his parents; siblings—Vernell, Clarice, Melvin Sr.; his brothers-in-law, Thornton Edwards Jr., and Sheridan B. Wrenn; sister-in-law Evelyn Harrison (James); and last, but not least, his daughter Walise.

Wallace leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife and two children; siblings Vernon Hardy (Lorine) and Jerrine Hardy Ford (Charles); his sisters-in-law, Sharon Batten (Raymond), Sheila Edwards, Elaine Edwards; his brothers-in-law, Thomas Edwards (Barbara), Earl Edwards (Deloris), Sherman Edwards (Diane); His grandchildren—Candi, Tamika, Latoni, Meguel, Anesha, and Wade Jr.; his bonus grandchildren— Keonti, Za’hara, Exarius, and Xavier; eight greatgrandchildren, a god-daughter Felecia Smith and her five children; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The ode to our loved one “Pig” is simply “We’re Gonna Miss Him.”

“We loved him, of course, but God loved him best. He took him home so he could rest. It hurt us all, the day he passed. Thank God no more suffering for him at last. We’ll miss your smile and the love you shared, but our hearts will remember how much you cared. A wonderful husband, father and friend. A tower of strength until the very end.” 

On Friday, July 05, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Saturday, July 06, 2024 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at New Bethany UCC Cemetery, 15496 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield.  Please keep the Hardy family in your prayers.