Jay Hardy, 82, of Taylor, Arkansas passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Springhill Medical Center.  Jay was born to James Marklin and Alma Pearl Cooper Hardy on March 26, 1941 in Connells Point, Arkansas.  He earned his bachelor's degree at Arkansas Teachers College that lead him to a 32 year career in teaching and coaching.  Jay also served Bradley as Mayor for 18 years.  Jay was a Master Mason and a member of Bradley Baptist Church.  In his free time Jay loved fishing, hunting and spending time with family.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, James and Alma Hardy, five brothers, Edgar Hardy, John Carl Hardy, William "Bill" Hardy, Earl Hardy, and James Lee Hardy; two sisters, Josephine Ates and Susan Van Shaik; and one great grandson Jasper Allen Hardy.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 56 year, Patsy Hardy; son, Tim Hardy (Melissa) of Magnolia, Arkansas; daughter, Leah Kai Morgan (Lonny) of Sarepta, Louisiana; granddaughters, Brittney Coker of Haughton, Louisiana, Hannah Lynch (Brooks) of Magnolia, Arkansas, Ali Ward (Caleb) of Emerson, Arkansas, Kennedy Smith of Sarepta, Louisiana, Kylie Smith of Sarepta, Louisiana; grandsons Chase Hardy (Sarah) of Magnolia, Arkansas, and Shelby Morgan (Heather) of Sarepta, Louisiana; sister, Sylvia Griffin of Hot Springs, Arkansas; special cousin that was like a sister, Billie Joyce Hentch of Tullahoma, Tennessee; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Danny Cannon, Jimmy Brackmon, Randy Hornbeck, Todd Gore, Darryl Endsley, Terry Eason, Tim Whisenhunt, Blake Gore, Rickey Jones, and Tim Spruell.  The family would like to honor all of "Coach" Hardy's former students and athletes as honorary pallbearers.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bradley Baptist Church, Bradley, Arkansas.

Funeral Services will be held at Bradley Baptist Church, Bradley, Arkansas with Pastor Roger Dunlap officiating and Mike McKenzie bringing the eulogy.  Services will be on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m.  Interment to follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of A. O. Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.