Obituary of Richard “Rick” Eugene Hardy

January 4, 1954 - August 16, 2025

Richard “Rick” or “Ricky” Eugene Hardy, 71, of Nederland, Texas, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Born January 14, 1954, in Circleville, Ohio, to Paul and Margaret Hardy, Rick spent his early years in Kirbyville, Texas, and eventually made his life-long home in Nederland. He was a proud father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a skilled machinist who worked hard his entire life.

Rick was strong-willed and steady. A solid, dependable man who people in his life could turn to when they needed someone in their corner. He offered practical support and advice to those he loved.

Rick loved being a father and grandfather, a role he carried with pride and purpose. providing not just in material ways, but through example, values, and consistency. Rick didn’t sugarcoat things, but you always knew where you stood. He held high standards and a big heart, and those who knew him best saw both. While he was strong, those close to him also knew his goofy side, most memorably, his Hardy brothers, who he enjoyed cutting up with fondly.

Rick enjoyed the simple things in life. He could often be found enjoying Mexican food at La Cantina with his family or stargazing in his neighborhood, always eager to spot the Space Station’s orbit. Though he did not chase luxury, Rick had a brief but most memorable chapter with a Corvette he loved - sunny days, top down, big smile. In more recent years, he was most often seen in his Dodge Ram truck: practical, steady, and reliable, just as he was.

Rick was a man of faith, committed to living out his belief in God with purpose. If you ever visited his home, you’d likely see index cards scattered about, each containing handwritten scriptures that captured his focus at the time. He shared his faith through his knowledge of the Word, his actions and by showing up and helping others.

Richard is survived by his children: daughter Riki Hardy and Brock Pryor of Nederland, and son Jesse Hardy and Stevie Hardy of Beaumont; his grandchildren: Logan Hardy, Rowyn Willis, and Sutton Willis; caregiver and lifelong friend, Tastie Miller. Also surviving him are his brothers: Bill Hardy and wife Janell of Silsbee, Michael Hardy of Houston, and Mark Hardy and wife Theresa of Buna; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret Hardy.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville, with burial to follow at Kirbyville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family welcomes flowers, and also encourages the gift of living plants as a lasting tribute to Rick’s enduring presence in the lives of those who knew and loved him.