Richard "Dicky" Becton Hardy

He attended Lenoir County Schools. He was educated at North Carolina State University where he was a Sigma Nu and an avid Wolfpack fan. While at NCSU, he became a principal in Varsity Men's Wear, a high end men's clothing store which catered to college students. Dicky was always dressed to the nines. As a friend said of him, "he was handsome and dapper and a Southern gentleman to the core. He was outgoing, personable and was loved by all." In 1972 Dicky and Varsity Men's Wear moved to Crabtree Valley Mall and he remained there until 1996 when he opened Richard Hardy Custom Clothier & Shirtmaker from his home.

Dicky enjoyed walking daily, rain or shine, with a group of close friends who solved the world's problems every morning. Dicky loved being out-of-doors. Three of his proudest accomplishments were hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, completing the New York Marathon and completing an Outward Bound program at the age of 40.

He was a member of countless clubs and social groups including The Sphinx Club (President), Nine O'clock Cotillion, Four Seasons Cotillion, Capital Cotillion, Terpsichorean Club, Carolina Country Club, and his men's book club. Clearly, he loved to have a good time, he loved his music, and he loved to dance.

He was on the City Board of Centura Bank. He was an active member of The Church of the Good Shepherd where he served on the Vestry as both Junior and Senior Warden. He was also an usher,

on the Board of Trustees and volunteered at the Soup Kitchen.

Dicky adored his very special grandchildren, all five of whom live in Raleigh. While they were in elementary school, he was an everyday fixture with all the Moms in the JY Joyner after school pickup.

Dicky is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice Caviness "Bit" Hardy. They were the gold standard love affair. He is also survived by his daughters Cameron Hardy Ellerbe and husband David and Katherine Hardy Connell and husband Mike, grandchildren Eliza, Webb and Margaret Ellerbe and Duncan and Hardy Connell. He is also survived by his brother James Daly Hardy and wife Barbara of Wilmington. He is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a multitude of special friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5th at 1:00 pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27603, or to Woodberry Forest School

898 Woodberry Forest Road Woodberry Forest, VA 22989.

Services are being handled by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.