Thomas "Tom" Rodrick Hardy, 85, of Diana, Tennessee passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025 in Sheffield, Alabama. He was born on January 17, 1940 in Vance, Alabama to Russell and Gerella Hardy. He joined the Navy in 1957, served in Vietnam and retired after 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer. Following his military retirement, he moved his young family to Diana, Tennessee where he lived on the same farm for the next 47 years. Utilizing his naval experience, he began working on offshore oil rigs and drilling ships and eventually becoming a master mariner and serving as captain aboard the JOIDES Resolution a 471-foot research vessel. During his career, he traveled the world many times over, always to return home to his farm in Diana.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dean Hardy and John Hardy and his beloved wife of 57 years, Ode J. Hardy.
He is survived by his loving children, daughter Sherry (Mike) Sands, son Tom (Scarlet) Hardy, and son Danny (Melissa) Hardy. He is also survived by six loving grandchildren: Leslie (Lane) Perry, Lillie (William) Snuggs, Samantha (Luke) Anthony, Haley (Britton Kennamore) Sands, Shannon (Logan Brown) Hardy, and Jack Hardy. He is survived by two great-grandchildren, Maverick Perry and Henry Anthony.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Thomas "Tom" Rodrick Hardy.
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