Paul Martin Hardison

Paul Martin Hardison, 69, passed away peacefully at his home on March 29, 2026, surrounded by family. He lived a life rich with family, friendship, service to others, and a fervent enthusiasm that propelled him into every new pursuit.

Born in Washington, D.C. to the late Rev. James and Mary Hardison, Paul grew up in Florida and developed an early love for music and performing that would remain a constant throughout his life. He graduated from Florida State University, where he majored in Music Therapy with a concentration in classical piano, combining his talent with a desire to help others. Early in his career, Paul worked as a counselor supporting individuals struggling with addiction and those living with AIDS, offering compassion and encouragement during difficult moments in their lives. A gifted musician, he played in numerous bands over the years and formed friendships with countless fellow musicians throughout the region. For Paul, music was never just a performance—it was a way of bringing people together.

After fifteen years in the non-profit field, he made a bold midlife change and returned to school to become a Registered Nurse. He spent the next twenty-five years as a Critical Care Nurse, caring for patients and their families with the same empathy and dedication that had guided his earlier work, and he treasured the camaraderie and lifelong friendships he formed with fellow nurses along the way.

In midlife, Paul discovered a new hobby that would become a lifelong passion: cycling. What began as a way to improve his health soon became a joyful pursuit and source of lifelong friendships. He became an avid cycling fan, traveling to races across the United States and abroad, embracing not only the thrill of the competition but also the chance to explore the small villages, winding roads, and massive mountain passes that define the legendary courses. Belgium in particular became a second home as he developed a peloton of deep and special friendships. Paul competed in numerous races himself through the cycling years, including the U.S. Senior Olympic Games, earning a collection of medals and honors along the way.

Inspired by his time in Belgium, Paul became a devoted student of beer—learning about it, brewing his own batches, and sharing it widely with friends and neighbors. Paul’s St. Augustine home—often the headquarters for band rehearsals and jam sessions—also doubled as a place where friends and neighbors gathered to share a home brew and enjoy conversations about cycling, Belgian beer, NASCAR, family, and more. Across music, nursing, cycling, and brewing, Paul built circles of friendships that spanned decades. He had a gift for connecting with people, and those who knew him remember his warmth, curiosity, humor, and generous spirit.

And while his hobbies and passions were important, Paul’s greatest joy came from being a father to Melissa and grandfather to Lex. From Florida road trips to trips abroad, from sharing stories and laughter to celebrating everyday moments, Paul cherished the time he spent with his family above all else, and they cherished his unconditional love and genuine interest in their many pursuits.

Paul is survived by daughter Melissa and grandson Lex of Jacksonville, FL, sister Carol of Charlotte, NC, sister Ann (Jim) of Basye, Virginia, best friend Tommy (Kay) of St. Augustine, FL, bonus grandson Nico of Welkenraedt, Belgium, bonus brother Rudolph of Tampa, FL, and many beloved cousins. He also leaves behind a wide and devoted community of friends from the many chapters of his life.

A homegoing service and reception will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7 at his church - St. Paul AME, 85 Martin Luther King Ave, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to St. Paul AME, or simply encourages friends to honor him by sharing music, riding a bike, or raising a Belgian beer with friends. A celebratory gathering will be planned for a later date.