Donald Allen Hardy

Donald Allen Hardy

Donald Allen Hardy, a lifelong resident of Jackson County, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the age of 82.

He was born on September 11, 1942, and graduated from Marianna High School in 1960. Don met Royce Daniels Hardy in 1963 on a double date, where they were paired with other partners. After discovering they were a more compatible match, they dated for a short four weeks before getting married. This would prove to be a perfect union as they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in May.

The Hardy family founded Chipola Propane Gas Company in 1961, where Don would spend the next 56 years until his retirement in 2017. When not working, he loved spending time working outdoors. He and Royce loved to travel, especially to NASCAR races, where they met many lifelong travel buddies along the way. Don was known throughout the community for his generosity and willingness to serve, as he was a long-standing member of the Kiwanis Club.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Foy Hardy and Vera Mae Crooms Hardy, as well as his oldest daughter, Kimberly Hardy-LeBlanc. He is survived by his wife, Royce, daughter, Kristi Broom, and son-in-law, Michael, granddaughter, Emily Gould, and husband, Elliott; brothers, Bill Hardy and wife, Kathy, Sid Hardy and wife, Anita, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 -7:00 PM Thursday, September 4, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. A graveside ceremony will be 10 AM Friday, September 5, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family would like to give special thanks to the following for the love and care shown to Don during his illness: The staff of Vitas Healthcare, including Dr. Steven Spence and April Champion, Stethoscope Staffing, and the nurses and staff at Marianna Health & Rehab.