May 24, 2025, 89, Goldsboro —
Jason-Baxter Caldwell Hardy, 89, was graciously received into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Baxter, also known as “Ham” to those in the Jason and La Grange communities and “Turtle” to those with whom he worked at DuPont, was born right at the crossroads in Jason Township on August 11, 1935. Born to the late Edward Hardy and Carrie Gray (Hardy) Jones, Baxter was one of three children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Hardy Barr and Jan Roman; and an infant son.
A graduate of La Grange High School, Baxter went on to faithfully serve his country in the United States Army. He continued his education at Nashville Auto Diesel College and then went to work as a welder, pipe fitter, and boiler inspector at DuPont in addition to managing Hardy Farms.
An excellent athlete, Baxter was a high school baseball standout and continued playing during his tenure with the U.S. Army. Playing softball recreationally into his sixties, Baxter then took up golf which became a true passion. Each year he tried to shoot his age, and while never achieving his goal, he often only missed by a stroke. He was a big fan and constant supporter of the Carolina Panthers, PGA Golf, ECU Athletics, and NASCAR.
Civic minded, Baxter served in many capacities in the Jason community. A founder of the Jason Water Corporation, he also served many years as president. He was a 49-year member of the Jason Volunteer Fire Department where he took on the role of chief numerous times, a member of the Greene County School Advisory Board, and an election poll judge for over 40 years.
An elder of Jason Presbyterian Church, he had served as the Sunday School Superintendent. A member of Hull Road Original Free Will Baptist Church, Baxter was an active member and past trustee. A man of true faith, Baxter lived his faith openly and devoted time to prayer and study through daily Bible reading.
Though Baxter had little formal education post-high school, he was the true definition of an erudite. Eager to learn, he was a veracious reader who would take on a book and then pass his knowledge on to others freely. Constantly interested in the newest Readers Digest and the commentary from Fox News, Baxter gained most of his knowledge from Consumer Reports, which for him, was the most valuable reading material aside from the Bible.
Believing deeply in the force of the moon, Baxter trusted his insight in moon phases for everything from digging holes to planting vegetables to cooking his famous fish stew—the best in Greene County. He firmly believed that a growing moon produced more dirt, better crops, and more stew in the pot.
Baxter was known for his quick wit, wise conversations, a bit of stubbornness, and smoking his pipe. He was perhaps his happiest when sitting in his chair with pipe in hand, watching Fox News, and brushing his cat while happily home with his devoted wife.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at Hull Road Original Free Will Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with Pastors Percy Cunningham and Leon Grubbs officiating. Committal will follow at the Mewborn Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service in the church Family Life Center.
Baxter is survived by his wife of 69 years, Faye Sutton Hardy; sons, Chip Hardy and wife, Gina and Scott Hardy and wife, Skyler; grandchildren, Ben Hardy and wife, Kathryn, Mary Gray Hardy, Emma-Scott Hardy, and Sutton Hardy; a special niece that he loved like a daughter, Connie Brooks and husband, Norman; along with many loved and appreciated nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Hull Road Original Free Will Baptist Church, 4049 Hull Road, Snow Hill, NC 28580; or the Jason Volunteer Fire Department, 6846 NC 903 South, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
