Laurence Edwin "Ed" HARDMAN

HARDMAN, Laurence Edwin "Ed"

passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017. Ed grew up in Orlando, Florida, graduating from Orlando High School in 1942. During World War II, he served in the 35th Infantry Division in France and was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart and The European Theater of Operations Ribbon with four battle stars. Upon discharge in December of 1945, he enrolled at the University of Florida, graduating in June of 1949 with a BS in Agriculture. He was president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

He married Martha Craig Hedrick of Tampa in June of 1950, and celebrated their fifty-second anniversary with her in 2002, shortly before her death.

Ed was engaged in the Tampa civic and business community throughout his careers in agrichemicals, commercial banking and commercial real estate brokerage until his retirement. in 2000. He moved to North Carolina in 2002 and was resident of Carolina Meadows in Chapel Hill for over fifteen years.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Kiley (John) of Chapel Hill, and son, Larry Hardman (Karen) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Ben Irvin (Naomi), Beth Collins (Dan) of Chapel Hill, and Katelin Hardman of Atlanta; as well three great-grandchildren in Chapel Hill. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joan McKay and her family of Tampa.

Ed was very often described as a perfect gentleman. And most would agree that he was one of the kindest men they knew.

In addition to a September 24 service in Chapel Hill, a memorial service in Tampa is planned for 11 am, on October 28, at St. John's Episcopal Church. Interment with his wife will be at Memorial Garden in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Saint John's Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, or charity of your choice. "Peace be with You."