Dr. Thomas F. Hardin, Jr.

Dr. Thomas Fleming Hardin, JR, DO passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, February 5th at the age of 86. He was born in Jacksonville on September 25th, 1927 to Thomas Fleming Hardin and Reta Palace Hardin. He was a graduate of the Bolles School, Capitol University, and The Des Moines College of Osteopathic medicine. He completed his internship and Pediatric residency at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, prior to moving back to Orange Park.

Dr. Hardin, in addition to being a much beloved physician in the Orange Park community, had a distinguished military career. He received many awards for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Field Medical and Marksman Badges, and the Master Parachute Badge. He achieved the rank of Colonel in the Florida National Guard in March of 1982 and held that position until his retirement in 1990. He was an inspiration to many young soldiers entering Special Forces.

Dr. Hardin established his practice in Orange Park in 1960. He was one of the first Osteopathic physicians to practice in northeast Florida. He was a pioneer in establishing relationships with allopathic physicians and promoting collaboration in order to serve the community. Dr. Hardin, along with Hinson Stephens and Raleigh Thompson founded Orange Park Medical Center in the early 70’s, to serve the population of Clay County. Many an evening before the hospital was established, patients would come to his front door, and he never turned anyone away. He was also a founder of Jacksonville General Hospital which opened in 1972. He instilled his passion for medicine into his two sons, Michael and Mark, who continue to practice today. He served as a mentor and example to many young physicians. After closing his successful private practice in 2003, he continued to practice with Neurotech until his illness forced his retirement in 2010.

Dr. Hardin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Joanne, his sons, Dr. Michael Hardin (Cecily), Dr. Mark Hardin, and his daughters Sue Lewis (Stephen), and Rebecca O’Neill (Joey); 8 grandchildren: Melissa White (Andrew), Neil Hardin, Emily Hardin, Amy Cheek, Eric Cheek, Cecil Thomas, Kael Farber, Lyndsi Hardin; and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Ellington Lansdell Hardin, and his son, Daniel Hardin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Orange Park on Saturday, February 15th at 11:00 am, with Father Jose Kulathinal as celebrant.. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Veteran’s Administration, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073. (904)264-2481. Please post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com