Elm City –

Douglas Anthony "Tony" Hardy, age 77, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025 at his home in Elm City. His journey began in Edgecombe County on July 26, 1948, son of Otto and Elizabeth Spruill Hardy, both of whom preceded him in death.

Tony's early years were shaped by his experiences attending and playing football at Benvenue High School and serving his country with the U.S. Air Force as a KC-135 crew chief. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan College and was also known as a star baseball player.

He enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical world that included retirement from Abbott Laboratories as QA Manager, followed by an additional three years with Baxter Pharmaceuticals in Bloomington, Indiana.

Tony loved the outdoors and being active – running, riding his bike and going to the YMCA.  He spent many weekends fishing at Swan Quarter.  He also enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilot license.  He was a master storyteller, known for his captivating stories and quick wit.  He had a way with words that would amuse his listeners with humorous life events.  He loved to entertain his family by pretending he was a gold star dancer to oldies music, all the while making us laugh, smile, and dance with him. He had a great sense of humor, was caring, generous, intelligent, and could be mischievous at times.  He pushed the ones close to him to their highest potential.

Tony's natural servant's heart gave him a love for community volunteer work, serving two terms as president of Cooper's Ruritan Club, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, donating to charities such as St Jude and Wounded Warriors, and serving on the Men's Council at church.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and dear friend who will be deeply missed by those he loved.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of thirty-seven years, Sandra R. Hardy; son, Anthony Blake Hardy (Sarah) of Rocky Mount; daughter, Sara Elizabeth Hardy, also of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Aron Anthony Griffith and Anthony Blake Hardy, Jr.; along with several friends and extended family members.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Ridgecrest Worship Center, 1120 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3:30pm.