Roy T. Hardy

Roy Thomas Hardy, Jr., 91, of Rockford.  To those of us who knew and loved him it seems very fitting that he was born on the fourth of July. He was bright, strong, and sparkling, surprising and memorable.  He has now died at age 91 on December 1, 2016, just 11 days after his beloved wife of 67 years, Joan Terrell Hardy. He started actively dying on their 67th anniversary and now he is with her and their Lord. As one friend said, "Can you really imagine Joanie without Roy or Roy without Joanie?" Of course not!

Roy was born at home, unexpectedly early and fast, on July 4, 1925 to Dorothy and Roy Hardy, Sr. about a year after his sister Jean. The family lived in Palmyra, New Jersey. Roy and his sister were very close all their lives sharing the fun of growing up in Palmyra as well as time in their cottage in Lavalette, on the Jersey coast. Their family was close-knit, loving, devout and patriotic. When Roy was in his senior year of high school he joined the Marines going directly into the service, near the World War II.

Because of the timing he was sent to the Georgia Tech Engineering Department and later Yale to complete his education under the V-12 program. He met, courted and married Joan Terrell, a beautiful young woman from Kansas City, Missouri. Then he was called up and was a second lieutenant having responsibility for a group of men.  He spent 18 months in fox holes in Korea with them. His memories of Korea and his war experience was something he would refer to periodically for the rest of his life.

Returning from war, he and Joan had four children and eventually settled in Rockford, Illinois. For many years he was a Vice President of Industrial Relations at Barber Coleman Co., a job he relished as challenging and rewarding.

Roy will be remembered for his loving kindness and his lifelong love affair with his wife, Joan. He will also be remembered for his support and generosity for his children throughout their lifelong endeavors. Further, he will be remembered by his grandchildren for his fantastic storytelling and hospitality

In addition to his work and family, Roy was absolutely dedicated to his Christian Faith in so many ways. His generosity ranged from helping a friend of his daughter's in seminary school, yet he was dedicated and on the boards supportive of worldwide Christian missions projects.

On the Hardy side he is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Dorothy; his sister, Jean (Hayden) Ringer and their son, Wilfred Ringer. Roy is survived by his four children, Terrell Lucius, Dave (Cathy) Hardy, Mark (Laura) Hardy and Caroline (Jack) Deery. His grandchildren include Matt (Abi) Hardy, Nick (Beverly) Hardy, Emily Hardy, Julia Hardy, Sarah Hardy, Sam Hardy, John (Ashley) Deery and Roy's great-granddaughter, Sawyer. He is also survived by his niece, Sherry Ringer, nephew Mark (Trish) VanMourick, Lisa (Rob) Alke. Roy is also fondly remembered by all his in-laws on the Terrell side of the family. Also worthy of mention are his loving caretaker, Heidi Fiebig and the devoted residents and staff of Morning Star Village who cared for Roy and Joan for the last years of their lives--and made sure they could stay together.

Memorial service will be at 6:00pm with a visitation from 4:00pm until the service on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  

Donations in his memory may be given to: Fisher House, www.fisherhouse.org, an A+ rated charity supporting military and their families.

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