Brion Leonard Hardin

Brion Leonard Hardin, 66, of Northport, Alabama affectionately known as "Big Daddy", passed away on November 2, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born September 30, 1959, Brion was born and raised in Northport. He was a 1977 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School. He then attended Shelton State Technical College of Welding. In July 1987, Brion married the love of his life, Donna, and together they built a loving family and successful business. He was an avid hunter, fisher, and supporter of The University of Alabama Athletics. Brion was a proud member of Old Waverly, an active member of the PARA Board of Directors, and a founder of the Mossy Oak Golf Club. He translated his love for golf into a way of giving back. He was a passionate supporter of junior golf at Old Waverly. He established The First Tee Organization, now the Tuscaloosa Junior Golf Academy, at Ol' Colony to bring kids from all walks of life into the sport of golf. He played a key role in making it possible for Ol' Colony to host competitive events such as the Epson Tour and NCAA Regionals. Brion was a true self-made man who lived the American Dream in its purest form. He started with nothing but with determination and the belief that hard work and honesty still meant something. He didn't just build a company; he built a future. From modest beginnings, he created something lasting through persistence, integrity, long days, tough decisions, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by people. Hardin Construction stands today not just as a business, but as a testament to what hard work, loyalty, and faith in others can accomplish. Brion believed in giving people opportunities, treating every employee like family, and making sure that everyone who wore the Hardin name could be proud of their work.
Brion took pride in what he built, but even more in what it allowed him to give. He used his success to take care of others quietly, consistently, and without asking for recognition. If someone needed a hand, a second chance, or a place to stand, Brion was there. He supported families, neighbors, friends, and even strangers, always preferring to help behind the scenes rather than be applauded for it. He had a gift for making people feel included, valued, and understood. To Brion, family wasn't defined by blood, but by loyalty and love. Those who spent time with him became part of something larger, welcomed with generosity and support. His legacy is not only in the company he built, but in the relationships he nurtured and the countless lives he strengthened simply by being who he was, a friend to all.
Brion was preceded in death by his parents, Millard Hardin and Betty Hardin.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Falgout Hardin; his children, Brandy Shaw (Jeremy), Lindsey Hardin, and Braxton Hardin (Leslie); his grandchildren, Patton Shaw, Marylee Shaw, and Avery Hardin; his brothers, David Hardin (Susan) and John Dean Hardin (Ramona); and a host of extended family and friends who loved him deeply.
Services will be held at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel, with the family receiving visitors on Thursday, November 6, from 6–8 p.m., and a memorial service on Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m., with Reverend Dr. Kelvin Croom presiding and graveside service immediately following.
Pallbearers are Kenny Lee, Cedric Burns, Doug Dowdell, Rob Cheval, Darrell Hughes, Darryl Shaw, Sonny Skinner, and Oscar Kent.
Honorary Pallbearers are all employees of Brion Hardin Construction Company; Boyce Adams; Trip Derryberry; John Gray; Scott Kelley; Bryan Givhan; Denzel Devall; Mike Acker; Jim McIllwain; Joe Pannunzio; Clif Turnipseed; Kevin McMahon; Kevin Lancaster; Christian Miller; Charlie Pilkerton; George and Renee Robertson; Mike and Gail Dogan; the late George Bryan; PARA; Old Waverly; Ol' Colony; The University of Alabama Athletics; Dr. Edward Carraway and Dr. Dale Christensen and the nurses and staff of the DCH Emergency Room and CICU. Brion's circle was too wide to possibly mention everyone, and we know that if he called you a friend, he loved you!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tuscaloosa Junior Golf Academy, the Old Waverly Junior Golf Program, the Betty and Millard Hardin Foundation, or the American Heart Association.
The family would like to express its sincere love and gratitude to all past and present employees of Brion Hardin Construction. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brion, please visit our floral store.