WILMINGTON — James Daly Hardy, beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, at the age of 75, and has entered into the loving embrace of his Savior in heaven. He leaves behind a profound legacy of love, service, and joy that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Born on July 16, 1948, in La Grange, NC, to the late Richard Becton Hardy and late Edna Creech Hardy. He attended Lenior County Schools and received a bachelor’s degree in textiles from North Carolina State University where he was a Sigma Nu and avid Wolfpack fan.
From the beginning, his life was guided by deep faith and unwavering commitment. In high school, he met Barbara Sutton Hardy, the love of his life. After six years of courtship, they married and embarked on a remarkable journey together, celebrating 54 years of marriage. There has never been a more beautiful love story.
As a father, James Daly was the North Star to his two daughters, Caroline Hardy Lytle (of Wilmington) and Sutton Hardy Moore (of Raleigh) and once they both married he gained two sons; Eric Stephen Lytle and Kyle Lee Moore. Although he traveled quite a bit in his career he never missed a single opportunity to support their many school activities or cheer them on from the sidelines. His heart overflowed with pride and joy for his four grandchildren, Eliza Caroline Lytle, Eric “Stephen” Lytle II, Olivia Sutton Moore, and Hardy Whitfield Moore. Without a doubt their “GrandDaly” was their biggest cheerleader, boasting proudly of their every achievement and milestone.
James Daly’s life was multifaceted and impactful. He served his country honorably in the National Guard, playing Taps at numerous military funerals. His generosity knew no bounds, as evidenced by the more than 70 blood donations to the American Red Cross, a testament to his selflessness and compassion. He faced challenges fearlessly, running the Marine Corps Marathon at 60 alongside family, creating lasting memories during their training runs.
James Daly enjoyed a successful career in textiles, which led he and Barbara to 13 different moves and 5 different states – each time positively impacting the company’s he led, ultimately rising to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Later, as a business owner, he formed deep connections with military professionals and others across North Carolina.
James Daly reveled in golf outings with close friends and tended to his beloved garden, yielding bountiful vegetables each season. Music filled his soul, and his beautiful voice often echoed in joyful songs and dances. His voice could easily be heard across several pews in the church or in the mountains when the family would gather every year over Thanksgiving and the 4th of July holiday. His favorite dance partner was his wife Barbara, all he needed was some good beach music and they were known to shag the night away- always the last ones to leave the dance floor.
Above all, James Daly was a devoted follower of Christ and a dedicated member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church. His life exemplified the teachings of Jesus through his servant’s heart without expecting anything in return. He lived each day as the hands and feet of Jesus and touched more lives than probably he even knew.
But none more than the family he leaves behind. James Daly Hardy is survived by his beloved wife, their two daughters and their husbands and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his late brother’s wife Alice Caviness “Bit” Hardy, of Raleigh and countless cousins, nieces and nephews and special life long friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother, Richard Becton Hardy.
A private celebration of James Daly’s life will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you smile at a stranger, surprise a busy neighbor with a thoughtful gesture, donate blood, give a “Hardy Hug” to someone who might need a little extra love, in James Daly’s honor, continuing his legacy of service and compassion.
