Norman Elliott Hardy

Norman Elliott Hardy, or as his friends affectionately called him, "Norm," has officially taken his final ride. Born on November 13, 1967, in the bustling city of Memphis, TN, he has left us to navigate the great beyond on May 19, 2025, in Germantown, TN. Norm was known for many things; truck driver extraordinaire, handyman wizard, and a father figure not just to his own daughters, but also to anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path.

For 23 years, he was the loving and ever-so-patient husband to Tina (Olivi) Hardy. They say behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes, and if that’s true, Tina surely deserves a medal for her steadfast support amidst Norm's endless adventures. He was also the proud dad to his daughters, Amber Lantrip (Houston) and McKenzie Hardy. Let's not overlook his caring desire to walk to pick up McKenzie from school—most parents would settle for a leisurely drive, but Norm took “walking the distance” literally. He probably would have bypassed a car entirely if he could’ve made it there on a bicycle.

Norm had a knack for the funny bone. Remember the time he almost ran into a pole? His head bobbed like a bobblehead doll, much to Tina's amusement—because nothing says ‘great truck driver’ quite like a near-miss with stationary objects! And let’s not forget about his love for kayaking adventures with McKenzie. Picture it: Norm paddling around while trying to look cool, opera music blaring, all while contemplating the possibility of a crazy German beer house theme for family camping trips at Gene's Trout Resort. You know, priorities.

Speaking of priorities, this adventurous fellow held a Bachelor's degree in business from the esteemed Ole Miss and excelled not just in academics but also at running a 5k in Oxford—likely with peanut butter and Fritos for sustenance. Yes, he was a foodie whose love for peanut butter right out of jar rivaled that of a toddler.

The man had an engaging personality: talkative, goofy, and exceedingly positive. He was the kind of person who could fix anything and was, without doubt, the handy savior of many a broken item—fixing things while taking breaks to indulge in discussions about politics and sharing laughs over music. While low on anger and high on love, he was a dependable family man who treated everyone like his own. So, if you heard the sound of his tool belt jingling, you knew he was either fixing something or preparing to butcher Pet Shop Boys songs in his garage.

Speaking of music, Norm memorized Amas Veritas for Amber's and Houston's wedding to make sure he achieved the goal of hitting the entrance that Amber had set for him.  As he walked her down the aisle, he turned to Amber and said, "We did it, Kid!"

Norm's posse included a large group of lifelong friends that he considered brothers—we can only imagine what shenanigans those guys got up to. Sadly, he leaves behind his mother, Martha (Castleberry) Hardy; siblings Chuck Hardy (Saly); and a bunch of other familial characters, including his nephew Austin and niece Vada. They all now have a larger-than-life legacy of adventure and laughter to uphold.

While the world says goodbye to an extraordinary dad, a loving husband, and a kind brother, we’re certain Norm is up there, probably still talking too loudly, laughing too heartily, and planning his next big adventure with his father Glen Hardy and sister Christina Hardy. Please join us for the visitation on May 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, both happening at the First Global Methodist Church in Hernando, MS. Norm will then be laid to rest in style at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

So, raise your glass—preferably filled with that Memphis local beer he loved—and let’s celebrate the goofy, loving, adventurous spirit of Norm Hardy. The best dad ever!