William Terrell "Terry" Hardy

The world lost a gentle giant on Saturday, April 26, 2025. William T. Hardy (known to many as Terry, Bear or Cubby), passed away with his family by his side. He was 72.
Terry was an avid outdoorsman, often recalling fond memories of his time spent in Blackwater State Forest on Juniper creek. He shared that when hunting in Alabama, he would sit in his shooting house reading his Bible, waiting on the deer to show up. They were usually safe as he would often fall asleep nestled among his beloved pine trees, listening as the wind blew through them.
As a young boy, watching westerns on TV, he knew that he wanted to be just like the sheriff, going after the bad guys, protecting the world. Henceforth he pursued a career in law enforcement; first retiring from Santa Rosa County Sheriff's office as a Captain, then later from Escambia County Sheriff's office as a Lieutenant, serving the citizens of our community for 41 years. If you were privileged to hear some of the stories from that time, you were enthralled to the point of tears sometimes with the escapades of the unit. But as recently stated, the statute of limitations has now run out.
Upon retirement, he moved to Iowa to be closer to his family. A Florida boy moving to Iowa, go figure. He soon found out how cold and windy it could be. While there, he acquired his beloved Bailey, filling his hours with love and loyalty. Later, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart and returned to Florida to marry and begin a new chapter of his life.
Terry is survived by his wife, Jeannette; daughter, Jennifer Nobiling (David), granddaughters Jasmine and Grace. He leaves behind a brother, Dennis Hardy (Luz) along with numerous nieces and nephews as well as a special adopted granddaughter, Cheyenne Moore. In addition he is survived by two stepsons, Sam (Tonya) Stewart and Josh (Jamie) Stewart as well as Cale, Levi, and Gabe Stewart, and of course, Ms. Bailey.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Olivet Baptist Church, 5240 Dogwood Dr, Milton, FL. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with a service to start at 2:00 pm. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.