James Smith Hardy, Sr

Mr. James Smith Hardy, Sr., 78, of 132 Belair Drive, Mount Airy, passed away Sunday morning, July 12, 2009, at his home. Mr. Hardy was born April 19, 1931, in Surry County, the only child born to the late John Wesley and Hettie Doss Hardy. Smith retired as terminal manager from Fredrickson Motor Express and as a lawn caretaker from Cross Creek Country Club. He was a charter member of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Mello Tone Quartet. Smith enjoyed coaching women's softball teams for many years. In his spare time, he even played for several baseball teams, including trying out for the Boston Red Sox. Mr. Hardy was a member of Franklin Heights United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Victoria "Pat" Childress Hardy of the home; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Martha and John Palmer and Kathryn and Dierik Freed, all of Mount Airy, and Vickie Hardy of Mocksville; a son and daughter-in-law, James Smith "Smitty" Hardy, Jr. and Margaret Hardy of Stokesdale; six grandchildren, Jason Hardy of Greensboro, Debra Hufschmitt of High Point, Wes Palmer of the home, and Cody Palmer, Kaylee Freed, and Hettie Freed, all of Mount Airy; and two great-grandchildren, Virginia Hufschmitt and Cassie Hufschmitt, both of High Point. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 2:00 PM at Franklin Heights United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Amy C. Spivey, the Rev. Dennis W. "Bud" Cameron, and the Rev. Richard Buffkin officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where his body will remain until carried to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes before the funeral service. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions can be made to Franklin Heights United Methodist Church, 416 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030.