William "Rucker" Hardy

1941 - 2024

William "Rucker" Hardy

July 28, 1941 - October 19, 2024

William "Rucker" Hardy, 83, of Ridgeway, VA, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Durham, North Carolina. He was born on July 28, 1941, to the late Orie Gould Hardy and Mary Cornelia Warren Hardy. Rucker graduated from Drewry Mason High school in 1959 and went on to attend Rockingham Community College. He worked as a machinist for DuPont for 34 years until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of and attended Hillcrest Baptist Church. Rucker was born into humble beginnings which shaped him into the generous and kind-hearted spirit we all loved. He had a passion for hunting, gardening, and all animals, particularly his dogs and cats. He loved listening to Elvis, hosting summer birthday cook outs, family Christmas Eve traditions, and spending precious time with those he loved. In addition to his parents, Rucker is preceded in death by his grandparents, John H. Hardy and Phoebe Wilson Hardy, and William Cook Warren and Mary Hundley Warren; sister, Mary H. Young; brother, Henry R. Hardy; and son-in-law, Robert A. Lloyd. Left to cherish Rucker's memory are his daughters, Sharon H. Lloyd of Smyrna, TN, Christy Kirby-Smith (Brian) of High Point, NC, and Jennifer H. Murphy (Brian) of Greensboro, NC; sisters, Louise H. Lackey of Collinsville, VA, Carol H. Burton of Murrell's Inlet, SC; six grandchildren, Whitney (Lee), Mitchell, Eliza, William, Daniel, and Drew; and his beloved longtime companion, Joan S. Burgess of Ridgeway, VA. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Norris Funeral Services – Martinsville, with Pastor Doug Ramsey officiating. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. The family requests that any donations be made, in Rucker's honor, to the SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County, 132 Joseph Martin Hwy, Martinsville, VA 24112, or online at https://www.spcamhc.org/donate/make-an-online-donation. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory is serving the Hardy family. Online condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.