James Ray "Jimmy" Hardy

Services will be held on Wednesday June 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Lin Chesney and Elder Keith Mooney officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 13, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in House, MS. All friends and family are welcome. James Ray (Jimmy) Hardy passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023 at the age of 84. Born in House Mississippi, he graduated from House High School, East Central Junior College, and completed multiple degrees at Mississippi State University including a Masters of Education and an advanced certification in school counseling. He held several positions at Neshoba Central Junior and High School in Philadelphia MS, including coach, teacher, principal and academic advisor, retiring in 1997. His favorite role was science teacher at the Junior High. Jimmy was known for his love of family, church, students and music. He was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in House, MS, teaching Sunday School for over 25 years. A talented musician, he enjoyed helping others learn to play guitar and violin, with the violin being his favorite. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bobbie, son Stan and his wife, Beth, his pride and joy, granddaughter Emma, brother Ozell Hardy, sisters Sue Saxon, Sarah Hall and sister-in-law Clara Faye Webb (Buddy), a host of nieces and nephews and their families who all loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by parents Charlie and Ola Hardy, in-laws Robert and Edna Reynolds, brother Charles Hardy (Juanice) and sisters Mabel Truhitt (Charlie), Jewel Edwards (Mack), Lillian McWilliams, (Clyde), and brother-in-laws George Saxon, Perry Little and Bill Hall and sister-in-law Syble Hardy. Pallbearers are Keith Mooney, Andrew Mooney, John Hester, Doug Johnson, Brian Saxon and Mark Saxon. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the cemetery or general fund at Pine Grove Baptist Church (13281 Highway 492 East, Union, MS 39365.)