Harry Hardwick

James Harry Hardwick, of Jonesboro, departed this life on April 4, 2024 at the age of 98. He was born on September 22, 1925, in DeValls Bluff, AR to Richard Alexander Hardwick and Mildred Williams Hardwick.

Harry was motivated to serve his country in WWII, joining the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. He graduated from Officers Candidate School in New London, CT, and served throughout the war primarily on tankers.

In 1993, Harry retired from Riceland Foods after 45 years of employment, including 27 years in Wheatley and 18 years in Jonesboro. He was employed by the City of Jonesboro for 9 years after his retirement from Riceland and was a member of the City Water and Light Board for 27 years. As a Mason and member of the Jonesboro First United Methodist Church, Harry devoted many hours of volunteer work, serving faithfully on many boards and committees. He also served as a member of the Craighead County Quorum Court as a dedicated and dependable worker.

Harry usually began his day at 5:30 AM and could be seen shortly thereafter walking the mall or participating in water aerobics. He drank coffee with friends at McDonald’s most mornings to catch up on the news and share a joke with his “coffee buddies.” When asked about the secret to a long and happy life Harry replied, “Find something to laugh about every day” … and he did.

Harry loved the outdoors, and it seemed that there was always a season right around the corner to look forward to. The example Harry set will long live in the hearts of his family and friends.

He is survived by: his children, Harold Hardwick and wife Babs of Hot Springs, AR, Debbie Hardwick-Smith of Fayetteville, AR, and Anne Stone, a long-time friend and companion; his siblings, Dick Hardwick and wife, Marilyn, Mack Hardwick and wife, Brenda, Nancy Terhune and husband Butch. He was “Paw Paw” to 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Mary Frances “Frankie” Hardwick, his wife of 52 years; his parents, Richard Alexander Hardwick and Mildred Williams Hardwick; his stepmother, Ethel Cook Hardwick; his brother, Robert Tumey and sisters, Mary Anna Hastings and Faye Geisler.

The world is a better place because Harry was in it. He will be missed.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with a memorial service following at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Michael Roberts and Rev. Fred Haustein will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations please be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House: 1148 E Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401.