Ralph Hardy

Ralph Jefferson Hardy, beloved husband, father, grandfather and pillar of the Siloam community, died peacefully on Jan. 1, 2023, at The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was 90 years old. Ralph was born Sept. 3, 1932 to John Harrison Hardy and Eliza Elizabeth (Betty) Willard Hardy. First and foremost a family man, Ralph dedicated his life to serving those around him. After being stationed in Germany as a Private First Class following the Korean War, Ralph founded Hardy Brothers Trucking in 1965 and began hauling produce up and down the East Coast. What started as a man with a truck and a dream grew into a team of more than 100 drivers and 60 trucks hauling goods across the country. It was Ralph's dedication to his family, his employees, and his community that turned his one-man operation into an industry leader. Ralph's last year was full of life, love, and celebration honoring his quiet, servant leadership. Generations of family, friends, and truck drivers came together to celebrate his 90th birthday in September. Hardy Brothers Trucking was also selected to haul the 78-foot Capitol Christmas Tree from the Pisgah National Forest to Washington D.C. – a testament to Ralph's hard work and service over the past 57 years. He continued working in the office at Hardy Brothers daily up until his death, and is leaving his legacy in the capable hands of his son Eddie (President) and grandson Ryan (Vice President). He was an active member of the Surry Shrine Club and lifelong member of Siloam Baptist Church. Ralph entered into the kingdom of heaven and arms of his Savior on New Year's Day with a trucker salute. He is survived by his loving wife Payge Whitaker Hardy; children Eddie Hardy (Lynne), Jill Hardy Dockery (Tim), and Jan Hardy Bowen (Harrell); grandchildren Ryan Hardy, Mallory Hobbs (Joe), Jessica Casstevens (Patrick), Hannah Chronis (Chuck), Tara Splain (Ryan), Luke Bowen (LeAnna), and Leslie Badgett (Justin); and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. The family will receive friends at Salem Baptist Church in Dobson on Thursday, Jan. 5, from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1 p.m. Private family interment to follow the service.