WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Pa, Horace Lee Hardison, who left his earthly home on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Pa was born on September 10, 1931 at James Walker Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina.
He was predeceased by his parents, Riley Vance Hardison, Sr. and Margaret Mintz Hardison, and 5 brothers: Vance Jr., Charles, Harold, Jack, and Daniel.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Margaret Sawyer Hardison, one brother, Donald (Joyce) Hardison and two sisters, Margaret (David) Bishop and Rebecca Smith. Four children: Alfred (Joyce) Spencer, Terry (Sherry) Spencer, Kim (Wendy) Joye, and Tammy (Dale) Yarborough. Nine grandchildren: Butch, Travis, Stephanie, Tabbatha, Melissa, Randy, Heather, Brad, and Katie. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Horace proudly served in the United States Navy from December of 1950 to October of 1954. He married the love of his life, Maggie, on December 27, 1956. Horace retired from Textilease Corporation where he worked as a route driver and then went on to work inside the plant as a supervisor of the Ordering and Shipping Department. Pa loved to fish, oyster, clam, garden, golf, and SING! Being on the water in the sound was one of his favorite places to be. Pa loved taking his grandchildren to the golf course and teaching them to fish, knock oysters, and clam with their toes. His favorite boat was aptly named the “Spot Remover”! Pa loved his time in his backyard garden watching his tomatoes grow. We all loved his new potatoes and field peas.
He also loved to sing. He began singing gospel songs in the early 70s and didn’t stop. As a member of Ogden Baptist Church for 40+ years, he relished his time spent there singing, whether it was in the choir, solo, in a quartet, or cantatas. His final time singing in a quartet at church was for his 93rd birthday, which was just about a month ago.
In lieu of flowers, please make your donation to Ogden Baptist Church, earmarked for the Music Ministry.
Pa will surely be missed by all for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. While we are saddened by his passing, we are thankful to have had him for 93 years and know he is at rest with the Lord.
Online condolences may be sent here.
