Willie Hardy Jr.

Willie Clayton Hardy age 89, Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. Born on August 4, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama. He was the beloved son of Willie Hardy Sr. and Flossie Arnold. Unfortunately, Flossie passed away early in Willie's life. Willie's father remarried Adelaide Taylor Hardy and she raised him as her own.

Throughout his life, Willie was known for kindness, generosity, dedication to family, and strong work ethic. He touched the lives of many through friendships and kindness. For years, he was widely known as the Candy Man, a nickname he earned through his unwavering habit of bringing candy to everyone he met, no matter the time or place. He loved to dance and go on cruises with his beloved wife Betty. They went on 49 cruises during their 20 years of marriage.

When he wasn't dancing, he stayed active by taking long walks and doing yard work. He also liked playing cornhole with others at Allegro.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Annie Jean Windsor Hardy, his son Kenney Hardy, and daughter, Cindy Hardy. He is survived by his wife, Betty Bailey; his daughter, Beth Benton; his grandchildren, Brian Moore, Kelly Torres, Katherine Shrode, Clayton Thompson, Chad Hardy, and Lauren Hardy; his great- grandchildren, Kelsie Spears, Jacob Borowski, Kylie Borowski, Colt Torres, Zoey Torres, Elliana Thompson, Adelina Thompson, and Alexander Thompson; and his great-great- grandchildren, Emery Spears and Brooks Spears.

Above all, Willie cherished time spent with family and friends. He will be deeply missed

and forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.