John David Hardwick entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 26, 2024. He was the son of John Wayne Hardwick and was preceded in death by his mother, Diana Hardwick. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Martha Hardwick and three children: Jonathan Hardwick (Jackie), Heather Butler (David), and Justin Creech (Tonya); his sister, Freda Gore (Mark), and brother, Dewayne Hardwick (Julia) and his other mother, Doris Bullinger. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Lauren Jones, Liam Creech, Jon Hardwick, Hollyn Creech, and Elizabeth Hardwick. David embraced his blended family. There was no such thing as “step” or “in-law”. He loved his family beyond measure-each one loved as a true family member.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Inman Ward Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 pm in the Chapel at Inman Ward Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The Interment Service will be held at the Wright Cemetery located on the 1200 block of Minos Meares Rd, Tabor City.
While primarily a farmer, David was a jack-of-all-trades. He loved “tinkering”, fixing up old cars, trucks, tractors, go-carts, etc. Being his Daddy’s right-hand man on the farm, you might find David in the shop during the wee hours of the morning repairing equipment so his Daddy could roll with the equipment the next morning. And, as time allowed, he fixed things for many neighbors, family and friends.
He often crowed about not having read an entire book while in high school yet maintaining all A’s. However, you might find him in a corner reading an encyclopedia-and in later years, the Internet. If someone asked him about fixing something and he didn’t readily know how, he would research and figure it out. An elderly neighbor once said there was nothing he couldn’t do.
While a teenager, David became a volunteer firefighter with Williams Township Volunteer Fire Department. Prior to becoming of age to become a firefighter, he assisted with numerous fundraisers to build the fire department, purchase fire trucks, equipment, etc.
David loved to cook. He coined his cooking adventures, Hardwick BBQ & Catering. Primarily barbecuing pigs, he soon began including many other specialties: steak, pork chops, fried chicken, chicken bog and his mother’s favorite, prime rib. His red grill, which he built, was his trademark.
Most recently, David accepted his “retirement” job as a Correctional Officer with the NC Department of Adult Correction. He was selected to make a speech, representing his graduating class. Although one of the oldest in his class, he was proud of the accomplishments he achieved during his training.
David accepted Jesus at a young age. Recently, he accepted the call to preach. He had been given the opportunity to fill the stand for several area churches on quite a few occasions. He was faithful in the ministry at Tabor Commons Assisted Living, assisting his pastor at Iron Hill Baptist Church. He was so dedicated, he cancelled one of his later doctor appointments to be a part of a baptismal service at Tabor Commons.
David loved people and enjoyed talking with all those with whom he came in contact. Others may be waiting on him for something but the person in front of him was important to him so he took time to talk with each one. His go-to nature will be missed by many.
His ultimate message to everyone is from John 3:16-17. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Iron Hill Baptist Church Building Fund c/o Jordan McPherson, 422 WJ McPherson Lane, Clarendon NC 28432.
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.
