George Long Hardy, Jr.

George L. Hardy, Jr., 94, of Liberty, SC, fell asleep in death on December 12, 2025, after complications with Alzheimer’s and a broken ankle.

Born November 2, 1931, in Durham, NC, George was the first child of his late parents, George and Edith Hardy. He spent his early years on the family farm in Johnston, SC, working along with his father. He later graduated from Clemson University in June 1958 and married Ruby in June 1964. He worked for the SC Agricultural Experiment Station at Clemson for 30 years as an Agricultural Engineer.

George was known as a true southern gentleman who never met a stranger. He has also been described as a big teddy bear with a booming voice but a tender heart. He was meticulous in whatever he did – whether it was his drafting, record keeping, or smoothing the top of the peanut butter in the jar. He thoroughly loved country living. Every day started with a hearty breakfast that included grits. He could always be found working in the yard and tending to his garden. He loved nothing more than sitting on the front porch, watching the farm animals nearby, and petting his dog, whom he always called Rufus. He was a loving and devoted husband and father.

George was a very active member of the English Norris, SC, Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, serving as an elder and a full-time minister for decades. He enjoyed visiting his neighbors and writing letters to them to share the hope of God’s Kingdom with them. George deeply loved his God, Jehovah; His Son, Jesus; his family; and the hundreds of friends whom he considered family. He firmly believed in the Bible’s hope of the resurrection and talked about enjoying life “just around the corner” on a paradise Earth as Jesus promised.

He is survived by his two daughters, Lisa McKeel and husband, Kenny, and Kerri Gray and husband, Scott, all of Liberty, SC; one sister, Carol Bryan of Edgefield, SC; sisters-in-law, Jane Corley or Johnston, SC, and Zell Skinner of Ware Shoals, SC; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ruby Hardy. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the many doctors, medical staff, home caregivers, and hospice staff who helped him. Thanks, too, to all the families and friends who have been supportive through this difficult time.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:30 am at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 105 S. Norris Drive (Highway 93), Norris, SC. There will be a slideshow at 12:15 pm. A memorial service will follow at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to donate.jw.org. Memorials may also be sent to Jehovah’s Witnesses, P.O. Box 39, Norris, SC 29667.