Jack "Jackie" Hardee

Mr. Jack "Jackie" Hardee age 78, of Keystone Heights went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Orange Park Medical Center. He had an exhaustive and lengthy battle with many ailments but passed away of a sudden heart attack; he fought his multiple battles with grace and dignity. Jack was born in Hope Mills, North Carolina on July 29, 1938 to the late Robert Wheeler Hardee and Vera (Shankles) Hardee-Sibbett. He was in the graduating class of 1956 at Massey Hill High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, on both the USS Iwo Jima and USS Forrestal in the 1960s. He also served on the USS Intrepid. Jack was an Air Traffic Controller stationed out of NAS JAX and was a Petty Officer First Class upon his 20-year retirement. He was an avid sports lover who played on an All-Navy fast pitch softball team during his service. He is known for coaching little league baseball for a number of years in Keystone. He was also a Shriners Keystone Kop and for a number of years gathered with his friends for coffee at Melrose Caf & Keystone Inn. Jack never met a stranger. Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Casey and Thelma (Christine) Dobbs. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Roberta Frances Hardee and daughters, Melissa (husband Mark) Barnes and Teri Collins (from a previous marriage); a granddaughter, Heather Barnes and a sister, Carolyn Blount. Also left behind are numerous loving sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. A Celebration of life for Jack will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Clay Robinson and Pastor Jason Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to: Office of Development, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Memorial Service Saturday, January 21, 2017 2:00 PM - Trinity Baptist Church 3716 SE State Road 21 Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176