Roderick J. "R.J." Hardison
January 11, 1940 – April 22, 2024

Roderick J. "R.J." Hardison, 84, of Plymouth, died, on Monday, April 22, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

R.J. was born in Martin County on January 11, 1940, to the late Park and Virginia Cammon Hardison. He was married to Sue Oliver Hardison who survives.

He proudly served his country with the United States Navy, fighting during the Vietnam War and earning a Purple Heart Medal. After twenty years of service, he retired in 1975 and began working at Manning Motor Company in Plymouth, NC, and later worked as a long-distance truck driver.

After his retirement, he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, Carolina Panthers football, reading Louis L'Amour Westerns, and hunting and fishing with his son. He was a member of the AMVET Post 227, where he enjoyed spending time with his Veteran friends. He was a loving husband, Dad, and Papa. The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and his caregivers, Pam Hardison, Casey Roberson, and Donna Goodall.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the family plot at Hillside Memorial Gardens. Pastor Danny Robertson will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the service.

In addition to his wife surviving are three sons, Kevin Hardison (Beth) of Jamesville, Brett Hardison (Shirley) of Crumpler, Corey Hardison of Plymouth, two daughters, Cindy H. Calloway (Gary) and Pam Hardison both of Plymouth; nine grandchildren, Mallory Calloway, Danny Barber, Casey Roberson, Dylan Hardison, Josie Hardison, Dustin Hope, Zack Hope, Aaron Hope, and Colton Craft; fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; one brother, Gary Hardison of Chesapeake, VA and a sister, Louise H. Wiemer of Williamston.

He was preceded in death by his stepmother Sue Hardison; a granddaughter, Christy Barber and a great-grandchild, Caylum Roberson.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service at Hampton Academy, Plymouth.