Hardison "Hardy" Ross King

Hardison “Hardy” Ross King, 91, of Gibsonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025. Hardy was born on September 12, 1933, to the late Lester Alonzo King and Athal Patricia King. 

He grew up with a close-knit family and was one of five siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Etta King, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage filled with love and companionship. 

He was first married to Shirley Gillespie King, with whom he shared many years and raised their children before her passing. 

Hardy is survived by his children, Donna Marie Bunting, Hardison Keith King (Eileen), and Diann King Farris (Phil); and his stepdaughters, Karol Kobayashi and Kathy Anderson (Doug). He is also survived by his sister, Athal Patricia Madden; and ten grandchildren, Caroline Farris Bernthal (Ryan), Devin Isentol (Melanie), Annalise Farris Perry (Stephen), Josh Isentol (Kaitlon), Zack Kobayashi, Adam King (April), Cole Anderson, Delainey Farris, Kristianna King, and Sharidan Farris; as well as ten great grandchildren, two of whom are named after him. 

He was preceded in death by his brothers James Winifrey “Jim” King and Verderey Alonzo King; his sister, Lucille Bradley; and stepson-in-law, Rick Kobayashi. 

Hardy was devoted in his career as Director of Computer Programming with BellSouth in Atlanta. Beyond his work, he was a member of Snellville United Methodist Church in Atlanta and attended Grove Park Baptist Church in Burlington. He was an avid golfer his entire life and was a member of Indian Valley Golf Course. 

Those who knew Hardy will remember him for his kind, gentle spirit, sense of humor, remarkable intelligence, and devotion to family. His legacy of love, hard work, and faith will continue through the lives of those who loved him. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lacy Madkins whose devotion and compassion were a blessing to both Hardy and our family for the past two years.

A private family service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, September 13th at Lowe Funeral Home, 2205 S. Church Street, Burlington. An open visitation for family and friends will follow from 3 - 5 PM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org.