May 6, 2026, 58, Goldsboro – On May 6, 2026, Thomas Harold Hardison of Goldsboro passed peacefully at Brookdale Senior Living, fulfilling his greatest earthly desire to reunite with his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyn.
Tom was born on September 6, 1944, to Lanie and Herman Hardison in the Woodington community of Lenoir County. He played and worked in the tobacco fields of the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work and to take pride in work well done. He graduated from Southwood High School and was a member of the basketball team, the band and the Future Farmers of America. He maintained a close, lifetime bond with his classmates, helping plan and host reunions, sometimes at his home.
In 1964, Tom got a job with Southern Bell Telephone Company and moved to Goldsboro. It was by chance that he met his future wife, Carolyn, by randomly knocking on a door to ask for directions. Later that afternoon, he returned to her home to ask her out. When telling the story, he never failed to mention how he thought she was the prettiest woman he had ever seen. After a 10-month courtship, Tom and Carolyn were married on October 14, 1967.
Together, Tom and Carolyn raised three daughters, Robin, Shannon and Andrea, in the Rosewood Community. Although he was not from there originally, Rosewood quickly became his home for a span of 52 years. As a young adult, Tom served as the President of the Rosewood Jaycees and often volunteered with the Rosewood High School Athletic Booster Club. He loved his friends, neighbors and community and was quick to lend a hand whenever it was needed.
Tom served in the US Army and the Army reserve for 8 years. Days before his unit was scheduled to set out for Vietnam, the war ended, sparing him from combat. Tom spoke proudly of his time with the Army and considered it a privilege to serve.
Tom was a natural athlete. After high school, he continued his love of sports by playing both basketball and softball for the Communication Workers of America. He also got great joy in playing and coaching softball for Pine Forest Church. His passion for sports and competitive nature at times got him excused from ball fields across Wayne County. He later began playing golf.
After retiring from both A T & T and NCR, Tom’s favorite job was being “Papa” to his four grandchildren Lee, Susan, Lauren and Rebecca. He was often seen wearing a sweatshirt that accurately stated, “Papa’s the name, spoiling is the game”. He got great joy from seeing them smile and making them happy. He often attended games and never missed a Grandparent’s Day or program at school. He loudly cheered for their wins and was always ready with a hug when they needed one. He taught his grandchildren the true meaning of unconditional love not only through his words but his actions. Tom extended this love to his two great grandsons, Jayce and Ryker, who quickly became the apples of his eye.
Tom had an eclectic taste in music, ranging from classical to Roy Orbison and Elvis, and he loved to play it loudly. He loved NASCAR, particularly Dale Earnhardt, a good Western movie and horses.
Tom was a member of Wayne Masonic Lodge #1 1 2 of Goldsboro where he served as Master of the Lodge in 201 0. He took great pride in their support in the Oxford Home for Children and considered it a great honor to be part of the brotherhood. Tom was a past member of the Scottish Rite Temple of New Bern where he achieved the designation of 32 Degree Mason. He was also a member of Order of the Eastern Star.
Tom was past member of the Wayne Shrine Club, where he worked tirelessly to raise money for the Shriners Hospital for Children by driving his mini rig or at the annual fish fry. Tom devoted much of his time as a Roadrunner, making over 200 trips, transporting children and their families to the hospital in Greenville, SC and other locations.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Robin Salter (Nigel), Shannon Smith (Phillip Amodeo) and Andrea Hardison (Jim Adams). Tom is also survived by his grandchildren, Lee Watts (Sarah), Susan Salter, Lauren Jessee (Todd), Rebecca Brisson and great grandsons, Jayce Watts and Ryker Jessee. He is survived by his sister, Brenda Honeycutt, sister-in-law, Pat Hamm, son-in-law, Wayne Smith and nephews, Michael Hardison and Tim Stroud.
Tom is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Wiley Hardison, his parents, Lanie and Herman Hardison, sisters, Lucille Holland and Carol Stroud and brothers, Edward “Bud” Hardison and Herman Hardison Jr. He is also preceded by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lillie Bell and Gardner Wiley; brother-in-law, AJ Hamm, best friend, Billy Ray Little and son-in-law, Daniel Brisson.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A graveside service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Wayne Memorial with Masonic Rites.
Memorials may be given in his memory to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
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