Leo "Van" Hardison III

Leo Vance Hardison, III, affectionately known as “Van,” passed away on December 3, 2024, at the age of 74. Van was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who brought joy and love to all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; daughter, Tammy (James); grandson, Ashton; great-granddaughter, Brooklynn; sister-in-law, Helen Carroway (John Dee); Aunt Jeanette; special cousins; many nieces and nephews; and his special friends Charlotte & Marty Pernell and Jamie Coombs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Vance Hardison, Jr. and Ruth Hardison of Arapahoe, North Carolina.

Van graduated from Pamlico County High School and attended Sandhill Community College in Pinehurst, NC, eventually graduating from Craven Community College with his Business Administrations degree. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Fire Chief of Arapahoe Community Fire Department, and served as President of the New Bern Exchange Club for many years, leading many events in support of children. Van often shared, “You do great good when you kneel at the feet of a child.”

Van was a driver’s education teacher at Pamlico County High School, where he positively impacted many students with his support and encouraging words. He and his wife, Irene, owned and operated Sun Soakers Tanning and Fitness in James City, NC, for many years. They recently celebrated fifty-four years of marriage on November 25.

Van was known for his funny rhymes, riddles, and songs, which he created for daily sentiments and special occasions. He played music by ear and had many musical talents, including the harmonica, ukulele, acoustic guitar, piano, and saxophone. Van always shared with his family to “keep pushing” and “these are the good times, make it count.” His greatest love was his high school sweetheart, Irene, whom he called “baby doll,” his daughter Tammy, “sissy,” and his greatest pride, his grandson Ashton. Van enjoyed fishing, joking, and making memories with Ashton, and he always got the biggest kick hearing Ashton’s truck pipes coming through Trent Woods. Van was thankful for his son-in-law, James (J-Bird), and had great peace knowing he would take care of everything.

For many years, Van was known as the legendary “Ghost of Edgehill Road.” The ghost would appear on neighbors’ rooftops to celebrate October and neighborhood birthday parties, bringing joy to the children of Edgehill Road. The Sun Journal even wrote an article about these legendary appearances.

The family would like to thank many who supported them during this difficult time, including the Craven Regional ICU team, Respiratory Therapists Daniel, Lawrence, and Sean; Special Nurses Diana, Bill, Michelle, Hope, Jessica, and Scott; sweetest EEG tech; Drs. Bobbitt, Downs, Kahan, and Patty; Chaplains Brenda and Steve. The family is also thankful for the support of their close friends in Trent Woods and the extended support of Dr. Wendy Moeller and Pastor Anna.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Lakeside Chapel in Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Van will be missed by so many, and the love he shared will forever impact all those who knew him.