HARDY, Robert M., 82, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M. Hardy, and his parents, Pete and Florence Hardy. He is survived by his two sons, David (Debbie) and Dean (Linda), four grandchildren, Ryan, Jeff, Kristen, and Lindsay, his brother, Thomas Hardy, and special friend, Phyllis Rainwater.
Bob graduated from John Marshall High School in 1953 and in his senior year won letters in four sports (basketball, baseball, football, and track). He was named to All Central District in baseball and basketball, and All City in basketball, baseball, and football.
In 1957, he graduated from University of Virginia with a degree in education where he won five letters in basketball and baseball. At Virginia, he was twice named to the All State baseball team. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, a member of the IMP Society, a member of the Eli Banana Society, and represented the School of Education on the Student Council.
In 1958, he became buyer of sporting goods for Miller & Rhoads and for the last 10 years of his 31-year career he was a Senior Vice President for both Merchandising and Sales Promotion. He also guided and directed “the real” Santa Claus program for many years.
He was active in Richmond area baseball and softball, and in 1983 was inducted into the Metro Richmond Softball Hall of Fame.
In 1992, he served as President of the Great Big Greenhouse & Nursery for 6 years before retiring in 1998.
He was a member of Hermitage Country Club for 16 years.
His family will receive friends on Thursday, July 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Richmond, Va., 23229. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 203 Richmond, VA 23294, in the names of Bob and Dot Hardy, will be appreciated. http://www.legacy.com/local/richmond-va/charities/virginia-breast-cancer-foundation
Condolences may be conveyed online at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com
