Greg "Stump" Hardy

Greg “Stump” Hardy is the son of Presley and Shirley Hardy, the brother of Cindy, Roland and Kristy Hardy, father to Elizabeth and Keith Henneke, uncle to Cade, Nikki, and Emily Hardy, and grandfather to Hardy and Hunt Henneke. He was a family man from birth, being born into one of those rare families where the parents and children are deeply connected to one another as friends, family, and confidants. It’s hard to say he was particularly close to one of them over the other, because Greg was so deeply connected to each of them. He was devoted to his mother and fiercely adored his father. He was a best friend to his brother, and he could not survive without his sister. He loved and celebrated every moment of Cade and Emily’s life, being one of the rare uncles that is there for the graduations, weddings, and other life events too often missed. Greg’s devotion did not end with his little family, however, as he proudly served his community for 30 years, first as a sailor in the United States Navy and then as a corrections officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He especially was proud of his military service and honored to be a part of the 7% of Americans who have worn the military uniform. He was on the USS Nimitz when he learned that his wife had given birth to his only child, Elizabeth. Greg responded to becoming a father in his typical way: he dove right in with his entire heart. From that day forward until his death, Greg doted on Elizabeth making her feel the depth of his love from thousands of miles away. Elizabeth grew up confident as children do when they know they are the apple of their parent’s eye, and only twice in her life did she doubt that she was the most important person in her father’s life: first when she married her husband, Keith, and Greg instantly adored him, and second when she had her two children, Hardy and Hunt. Greg enjoyed being a father, but he loved being a grandfather, and his two “replacements” became a source of immense joy in his later life. In his spare time, Greg was a search and rescue trainer of K9 dogs, leading teams of dogs to locate missing persons or apprehend suspects, a devoted motorcycle rider, and a creative woodworker. Greg will be remembered as the best friend to many, as he leaves behind dozens of folks who received text messages every morning from him urging them to have a good day and checking in on a dozen more in the evening. Greg loved so deeply that he created a chosen family, adopting people into his life who he loved with a fierce passion and devotion. Had Greg written a farewell to all of those whom he called family he would have named more here, personally acknowledging those who filled his life with joy. Once Greg loved you, something changed in your life because you knew that love was forever, it was deep, and it was unconditional. And he loved so many of you that way. Greg lived life on his own terms, in his own way, guided by a heart that had an immense capacity for love. The night before his death, Greg declared that he was living his best life riding his motorcycle high on a mountain with dear friends. He died with the wind in his hair, filled with the love that had carried him throughout his life. To say he will be missed simply does not capture the hole that fills so many hearts today. But what a legacy he has left behind. Visitation will be Saturday, June 27 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas, with services on Sunday, June 28 at 4:00pm. He will be laid to rest at Brooke Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Camp Hope, 9724 Derrington Rd., Houston, Texas 77064. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com

Greg "Stump" Hardy

May 15, 1959 - June 22, 2020