James (Shorty) C. Hardy, 97, of Venus, FL and a long-time resident of Bradenton, FL went to be with his Lord and loving wife Loyce on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. A4th generation

Floridian, he was born in a railroad shack in Utopia, FL on July 13, 1929, to parents Mandy

(Westberry) and Ernest C. Hardy. He was extremely proud to have served his country in the

United States Army, as a member of the U.S. occupation forces in Germany from 1948 to

1952, reaching the rank of Sergeant and earning the Army Occupation Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. A very hard-working man, he worked for many years as a Master Mechanic and Service Manager at Hilliard Brothers Cadillac & Pontiac in Bradenton, FL. His greatest joy in life was providing for and spending time with his family. He was a loving and dedicated husband to his wife Loyce for 47 years, and an amazing father to his four sons.

Shortywas an accomplished musician who loved playing the harmonica for the Lord during Church services, most recently at the Placid Temple Church of God in Lake Placid, FL. He is survived by his 99-year-old sister, Mary Vanlandingham, sons Wayne Hardy and David Strickland, 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 7 great, great-grandchildren, all who loved and adored their Papa. A visitation and celebration of life for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Placid Temple Church of God, 51 Lake June Rd, Lake Placid, FL 33852. Graveside services will follow at the Venus Cemetery, 962 County Rd 731, Venus, FL 33960. Then everyone is invited for fellowship and food at the Venus United Methodist Church fellowship hall and pavilion, next to the cemetery. Funeral Services entrusted with the Scott Seawinds Funeral Home of Lake Placid, FL. 863465-4134.