Ralph Edgar Hardy

   Ecclesiastes chapter three eloquently states that God has appointed a time and a season for all things under His sun; a time to mourn, a time to rejoice, a time to be born, and a time to die.  January 7, 1943, presented a time to celebrate when Deacon Ralph and Mattie Hardy of Jefferson, Georgia, were blessed with a belated New Year’s gift, an incredibly special flower, their first-born son, Ralph Edgar Hardy, Jr.  After having had four daughters to precede his birth, this child was the son of their dream and one for whom they had prayed and waited. At an early age, Ralph Edgar, affectionately known as “Edgar,” recognized his life’s purpose and understood that his mission on earth was to render service.   Edgar consistently exemplified obedience and respect at home, church, and school.  His demeanor was a source of pride for his parents as well as other family members. 

He received his formal educational training in the Jackson County School System, Jefferson, Georgia, where he was a respected athlete, student leader, and an astute academician. In fact, Edgar was the valedictorian of his class.  Although he was an outstanding star on the school’s basketball team, he found time to serve as a tutor for his peers and work as a student assistant for his principal.  When he finished high school, Edgar was blessed with a full scholarship to Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, where he earned a B. S. degree in Biology. Edgar became the first college graduate of his family, who provided a strong advocacy system for his success.  Focusing on career development and a desire to serve his educational community, he pursued and earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. He furthered his education at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, where he earned an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision 

  Edgar served as an outstanding science teacher, coach, and a school administrator during his career, which spanned thirty-nine years.  His exemplary service was recognized as he received multiple accolades for his career achievements. In 1967, he was the assistant coach of the Wheeler County girls’ State Champion basketball team. He also served as head coach for the boys’ basketball team and an assistant coach for football and track.  During his tenure in the Wheeler County School System in Alamo, Georgia, he was selected as STAR teacher, and was promoted to assistant principal.  Later, when he became principal of Toombs County High School in Lyons, Georgia, he was recognized by Governor Sonny Perdue as one of Georgia’s High Performing principals. Also, Secretary of State, Kathy Cox, recognized him as one of Georgia ‘s most outstanding citizens. 

Edgar was an active member of many church and civic organizations.  He served as a deacon of New Salem Baptist Church in Jefferson, Georgia. Additionally, he was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Paine College Alumni Association.  He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Delta, Delta Boule), Albany State University Alumni Chapter, 100 Black Men of Albany, Concerned Citizen Coalition of Vidalia, GA, and the Georgia Retired Educators’ Association.   Additionally, Edgar supported Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. his wife’s sorority and was inducted as a member of the sorority’s National “Honey Do’’ auxiliary.  

          Let us rejoice and be glad that just a few days ago, God decided that He needed another flower for His heavenly garden; He looked down from His great high heavens and found one of His phenomenal servants – a church deacon,  husband, father, brother, grandfather, and educator - Ralph Edgar Hardy, Jr. suffering from pain and ill health.  However, with love and sympathy swelling in His heart, God selected Ralph for planting in His heavenly flower garden.  Deacon Ralph Edgar Hardy welcomed Jesus with opened arms and a smile as he realized the time and season had come for his planting. However, in previous seasons, there were other loved ones chosen for planting in God’s heavenly garden.  These loved ones include:  his father, Ralph, his mother, Mattie, and two sisters, Ruby Jean Danner, and Annie Catherine Moon, along with his first wife, Alberta Jones- Hardy. 

     Precious memories of Deacon Ralph Edgar Hardy will be cherished immensely by his family and friends as they are all grateful to God for sharing him during his time on Earth. Memories of Ralph will be held sacred by his devoted wife of eighteen years, Dr. Janice Coats-Hardy of Albany, Georgia, his son, Deacon Gregg (Casandra) Hardy of Reidsville, Georgia, two bonus sons, Marshall R. (Denise)Troup, of Loganville, Georgia, and Martisse (Tarcia) Troup of Tyrone, Georgia.  Other family members left to cherish memories of Ralph include: three sisters, Joyce (Saul) White and Pearl (Clarence “Buck”) Kinney of Jefferson, Georgia, and Sandra Freeman of Atlanta, Georgia as well as three brothers:  Thomas (Linda) Hardy, John (Betsy) Hardy, and Kelvin (Patricia) Hardy all of Jefferson, Georgia. Additionally, seven grandchildren will continue to cherish memories of their grandfather;  the seven grandchildren include: Quayvis Hardy and Keshawn Hardy of Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, Kayla Hardy of Reidsville, Georgia, Gregg Hardy, Jr. of Vidalia, Georgia, Jasmin Hardy (USAF), Traverse Hardy of Savannah, Georgia, and Antonio Hardy of Columbus State University,  Columbus, Georgia. Four bonus granddaughters: Malia and Milan Troup of Tyrone, Georgia along with Macey and Leanna Shonoyo of Loganville, Georgia are left to cherish his memories.  Ralph was blessed to have two great-granddaughters:  Ryleigh Hardy and Aubree Hardy of Vidalia, Georgia, who will fondly remember him.   Additionally,  extended family members are left to cherish memories of Ralph include two brothers-in-law, Thomas (Grace) Coats of Jacksonville, Florida, and Arnold (Beverly) Coats of Miami, Florida and two sisters- in law, Gloria Coats of Miami, Florida and Michelle Miller of Jacksonville, Florida.  Also, the Jones family of Riceboro, Georgia will cherish the special bond shared with Ralph through the years coupled with multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will continue to honor his legacy.  

Therefore, if Deacon Ralph E. Hardy were here today, he would say, “Weep not”; he would say, “weep no more,” and he would say reflect on John 14:1, “let not your hearts be troubled!”   Deacon Hardy would ask all those he left behind to please take comfort in knowing that “[He’s] resting in the bosom of Jesus” as a phenomenal flower in God’s heavenly garden. 

Visitation for Mr. Hardy will be Friday December 11th at Wimberly Funeral Home between the hours of 2-8pm. The Celebration of Life will be held at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Saturday December 12th at 1pm. Professional Service Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.