Mark V. Hardgraves

SHIRLEY: Mark V. Hardgraves, Sr., 64, of Shirley, formerly of Ayer, died Sunday, December 7, 2025 at his home.

Mark was born in Detroit, Michigan, June 17, 1961, a son of Jacqueline (Mitchell) Hardgraves and the late Vance Hardgraves and grew up in an Army family moving frequently as a child.

Mark enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for three years before being honorably discharged in 1983 and settling in the Ayer & Shirley area.

Most recently Mark worked five years as a machine mechanic at Berry Global Company in Sterling, retiring in August of this year. Prior to that, for over 30 years, Mark worked as a millwright at Bemis Company in Shirley where he also served 24 years as the Union President there.

Always a competitor, Mark enjoyed playing golf, flag football, softball, basketball, billiards and darts. He also enjoyed fishing. He was a former member of the Shirley American Legion post.

In addition to his mother of Indianapolis, IN, he leaves his longtime companion, Shannon L. Dixon of Shirley; his son, Mark V. Hardgraves, Jr., and his wife, Christina of Gardner; two daughters, Jocelyn Y. Hardgraves and her husband, Marcus Ellis of Ayer, Casey D. Hardgraves of Shirley; his brother, Thomas Hardgraves of Indianapolis, IN; two sisters, Rebecca Allen and Kelli Smith both of Indianapolis, IN; three grandchildren, Alijah Hardgraves, Ezra Hardgraves and Marquise Johnson.

He was the brother of the late Joseph Hardgraves and Stanley Hardgraves both of Indianapolis, IN.

Mark's family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours on Tuesday December 16, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (RT 2A), Ayer.

The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements