Richard Alan Hardy was born October 6th, 1956, to Travis and Ruby Hardy in Texas City, Texas. Richard reunited with the Lord on July 12th, 2024. Growing up, he and his family lived in Southeast Texas, including Bacliff and San Leon. As a boy, Richard was a local little league all-star player and played for the Pirates. It was during his youth that he developed his passion for baseball and love of fishing and swimming. In his teenage years, Richard attended Dickinson High School where he played football as a tailback and performed in track. After his time in high school, Richard proceeded to join the United States Marine Corps where he received a good conduct medal. Despite his desire and willingness to serve, a knee injury would lead him to be honorably discharged before completing Basic Training.

Taking things in stride, Richard then went on to work for his father’s trucking company, Travis Hardy Trucking off and on until 1983. Between 1989 and 1993 Richard owned his own dump truck which he inherited from his late mother. In August of 1981, Richard received a certificate in mixology and opened his own drink stand on the coast. For a short time in the mid-eighties Richard did professional modeling, and even assisted a private investigator in La Porte, adding to the wide array of work he did. While working to deliver a shipment to an Oil Rig in the late 1990’s an accident occurred leaving Richard injured. This spinal injury would cause him chronic pain for the rest of his life, yet he still persevered and kept high spirits. On June 25th, 2001, Richard married Bonnie DeWindt, whom he was with for the remainder of his life. During that time, the pair had two sons, Richard Hardy II and Justus David Hardy. Between 2003 and 2005 Richard successfully completed College of the Mainland’s Real Estate Program and received several certifications in the field. For the next nineteen years, Richard did odd jobs to support his family.

Richard can best be described by his persevering and friendly nature, always hardworking and a true friend to all. He is known for being an avid storyteller; humorous, expressive and fun. Richard always cherished the simple things in life and lived humbly, knowing Christ to be his Lord and savior. He was a selfless father who was willing to give everything he could for his children. Raising his two sons was his topmost priority later in his life. Even towards the very end, despite his growing health issues, Richard always extended his compassion to others and remained hopeful and optimistic.

Richard is survived by his wife, Bonnie Hardy, sons, Richard and Justus, siblings, Travis, Michael, Linda, and Cheryl, and many nieces and nephews including Leigh Anne, Michelle, Jennifer, Richard, Amanda, Gregory, Bryan, Gina, Patrick, Laura, Trey, Matthew, and Sara Kay. Richard is predeceased by his parents, Travis and Ruby, brother Patrick, nephew Michael Travis Hardy, niece Nicole, and grandparents Walter and Inez.

A memorial service for Richard will be held on Thursday August 1st, 11 AM at Bayshore Park, 5437 FM 646 Rd, Bacliff, TX 77518.