A shining star was extinguished on December 13, 2025, when Gary Emery Hardy—a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to many—passed from this world at the age of 76.
Born on March 31, 1949, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Helen and Ralph Hardy, Gary discovered his passion for music early. He began playing trumpet at age 12 and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. At Norview High School, he excelled in the band program, earning spots in all-city, all-regional, and all-state bands as a featured soloist.
Gary continued his education at Old Dominion University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Hillegass. He first invited her to Greek Week, but sparks truly flew when she saw him perform on stage at the Peppermint Beach Club. The rest, as they say, was history. The couple married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together filled with love and music.
While at ODU, Gary joined the local sensation Bill Deal and the Rhondels, becoming a key trumpet player and contributing horn arrangements during a pivotal era for the band. Known for their infectious beach music and blue-eyed soul sound, the Rhondels scored national hits including "May I," "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)," and "I've Been Hurt." Gary's horn arrangements and energetic performances helped define the band's signature style.
After many years with the Rhondels, Gary moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as band director for national recording artist BJ Thomas, performing numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry.
In the 1980s, Gary chose to step back from touring to focus on his family. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and built a successful career in the lighting industry as a National Sales Manager. For decades, he helped illuminate spaces across the country while continuing to light up the lives of those around him. As a devoted father, he never missed a sporting event, band concert, or any activity involving his children. An avid tennis player, he joined the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, where he formed many lasting friendships and maybe broke a racket or two.
Once all four children graduated high school, music called Gary back again. He returned to Virginia Beach and resumed touring with The Original Rhondels, playing his trumpet loud and proud for audiences once again. He also received the honor of being personally inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2022.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Hillegass Hardy; daughters Heather Greenhaw (Jim) and Jennifer Hardy; grandchildren John Hardy Greenhaw ,Stanley Clay Walker III, Faye Elizabeth Hardy, and; sister Gayle Hardy (Jane); brothers-in-law Reon Hillegass III, Timothy Hillegass (Julie), Sam Hillegass, and Sean Hillegass; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Hillegass and Jessie Hillegass; numerous nieces and nephews; and of course his beloved dog, Lucy.
He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Ralph Hardy; and his cherished children, Gary Emery Hardy Jr. and Ashley Hardy.
Words cannot fully describe how deeply Gary will be missed. His loss truly marks the end of an era. Yet his legacy of love, music, and light will endure forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be planned in the spring.
Born on March 31, 1949, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Helen and Ralph Hardy, Gary discovered his passion for music early. He began playing trumpet at age 12 and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. At Norview High School, he excelled in the band program, earning spots in all-city, all-regional, and all-state bands as a featured soloist.
Gary continued his education at Old Dominion University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Hillegass. He first invited her to Greek Week, but sparks truly flew when she saw him perform on stage at the Peppermint Beach Club. The rest, as they say, was history. The couple married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together filled with love and music.
While at ODU, Gary joined the local sensation Bill Deal and the Rhondels, becoming a key trumpet player and contributing horn arrangements during a pivotal era for the band. Known for their infectious beach music and blue-eyed soul sound, the Rhondels scored national hits including "May I," "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)," and "I've Been Hurt." Gary's horn arrangements and energetic performances helped define the band's signature style.
After many years with the Rhondels, Gary moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as band director for national recording artist BJ Thomas, performing numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry.
In the 1980s, Gary chose to step back from touring to focus on his family. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and built a successful career in the lighting industry as a National Sales Manager. For decades, he helped illuminate spaces across the country while continuing to light up the lives of those around him. As a devoted father, he never missed a sporting event, band concert, or any activity involving his children. An avid tennis player, he joined the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, where he formed many lasting friendships and maybe broke a racket or two.
Once all four children graduated high school, music called Gary back again. He returned to Virginia Beach and resumed touring with The Original Rhondels, playing his trumpet loud and proud for audiences once again. He also received the honor of being personally inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2022.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Hillegass Hardy; daughters Heather Greenhaw (Jim) and Jennifer Hardy; grandchildren John Hardy Greenhaw ,Stanley Clay Walker III, Faye Elizabeth Hardy, and; sister Gayle Hardy (Jane); brothers-in-law Reon Hillegass III, Timothy Hillegass (Julie), Sam Hillegass, and Sean Hillegass; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Hillegass and Jessie Hillegass; numerous nieces and nephews; and of course his beloved dog, Lucy.
He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Ralph Hardy; and his cherished children, Gary Emery Hardy Jr. and Ashley Hardy.
Words cannot fully describe how deeply Gary will be missed. His loss truly marks the end of an era. Yet his legacy of love, music, and light will endure forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be planned in the spring.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Emery Hardy Sr., please visit our flower store.
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