John Willie Hardie was born to the late Walter Thomas Hardie and Sally Mary Baysmore Hardie on December 28, 1918 and peacefully departed this life on February 18, 2021. He grew up in Gates County, NC where he graduated from T.S. Cooper High School. At an early age, he attended the New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church in Corapeake, NC. After high school, John met and married Margaret Ann Howell in December 1940. They were married nearly 75 years. Out of this union, three sons were born – two of whom are deceased (John Jr. and Gerald). Margaret was the joy of John’s life and he was deeply saddened when she preceded him in death in 2016.

John entered the US Army in July 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1946. He fought in World War II and during his service, he became the recipient of several medals including the Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After his discharge from the service, John was employed by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA for nearly 30 years.

After settling in Portsmouth, VA., John and Margaret joined Mount Hermon Baptist Temple. He became an Ordained Deacon. In addition, he was the Assistant Superintendent and a teacher of the Sunday School, as well as an Usher and Church Clerk. John was also a member of the church choir and supported other ministries and activities within the church. John was a vital part of the Portsmouth community and was instrumental in fund raising for the YMCA in Portsmouth.

After the passing of his wife Margaret, John resided at Bells Residential Assisted Living in Portsmouth, VA. He was affectionately loved there and over the years would receive countless visitors. He loved to sing and could often be heard entertaining his visitors, reciting poems, bible passages and singing and humming his favorite Christian hymns.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret; two sons – John Jr., and Gerald; his parents – Walter and Sally; six sisters – Lillie, Martha, Cora, Manier, Eulah and Clarine and six brothers – William, Moses, Thomas, Robert, John and Junius Henry; his stepmother – Otis Emma Jones and a stepbrother Haley Jones.

He is survived to cherish his memory his son Melvin B. Hardie and his wife, Yvonne of Somerset, NJ. One daughter in law – Barbara Hardie of Atlanta, GA., grandchildren – Tony Hardie of Greensboro, NC; Shawn Hardie of Louisiana; Melvin Hardie Jr. of Ewing, NJ; Crystal Hardie of Monroe, NJ; great-grandchildren – Keyon and Keyara Hill of Monroe, NJ; one sister – Mary Hardie Boone and two brothers – Lawrence Hardie (Lois) and Charlie Hardie (Helen) all of Gates County, NC., and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.