Obituary of Winfred Hardie

Obituary of Winfred Hardie Winfred was born on November 28, 1923, as the fifth of twelve children to the union of James and Ella Criner Hardie in Athens, Texas. In school he studied, among other things, Latin, English, History, Algebra, and Agriculture. He was also active in sports, playing football, basketball, and running track. He was fast enough and "gutsy" enough to play on the "first" team in each sport. He also loved cooking and farming. Additionally, he had an awesome singing voice. We will miss his specially grilled steaks and his beautiful melodies. In 1943 Winfred was inducted into the armed services and quickly rose in rank. His tour of duty took him to Pennsylvania, Washington, and Okinawa Japan. He was decorated with the American Theater ribbon, the Pacific Theater ribbon, a bronze star, a good conduct medal, and an overseas bar. Following his military duty, he moved to Los Angeles, California and worked at the Long Beach Navy Shipyard. Because of his military background, he was given the responsibility of leading a crew that de-commissioned and recommissioned ships. He had direct responsibility for the warehousing associated with this work. In 1947 he came in contact with Jehovah's Witnesses and symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism in August of that year. He spent the next 67 years in deeply studying the Bible, giving public lectures, and teaching others the wonderful hope that the Bible promises, when there will be no more sickness and death. This was his new passion in life. In fact, only a few days ago one of the nurses who cared for him said Winfred was reading his Bible when she first met him several months ago. When she would come into his room, if he had not done his daily Bible reading, she would read it to him. She was so impressed that he had such a passion for reading and studying the Bible. In 1950 Winfred met Eliza Mae Wigfall of Tyler, Texas. They were married a short time later. She was the love of his life for 60 years till her death in August 2010. To that union were born three children: Jared Keith Hardie (wife: Joan) of Lewisville, TX; Darryl Kent Hardie (wife: Robyn) of Murrieta, CA; and Kyria Eilene Jones (husband: Reginald) of Fort Worth, TX, all of whom survived him. Additionally, he is survived by two brothers and two sisters: Jerry Hardie of North Highlands, CA; David Hardie of Inglewood, CA; Jeanetta Brannon of Sacramento, CA; and Lucy Broome of Central Point, OR, along with seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. And, of course, he has a vast spiritual family that loved him dearly and that he cherished. We are deeply saddened by this loss but we are so happy that he is resting in Jehovah's memory (John 5:28, 29). And we are comforted by our confidence that Jehovah also longs for Winfred's company again and will soon fulfill that desire. – Job 14:14, 15; Rev. 21:3, 4 Until that time arrives, the Hardie and Jones Families wish to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the loving support and prayers so much needed at this time.