Wayne Jackson Hardee, Sr.

Wayne Jackson Hardee, Sr., 79, of Hope Mills, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Born on September 19, 1946, in Cumberland County, Wayne was the son of the late Harvey Hardee and Lillie Westbrook Hardee. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Jacquelyn Hardee and son, Wayne J. Hardee, Jr.

He is survived by his four children, Carla Hardee, Angel Hardee, Charles Hardee, and Adam Repcik; seven grandchildren, Racheal Hardee, Madisyn Barnes, Savannah Hardee, Kameron Tolar, Wayne Hardee III, Nevaeh Brehm, and Hayley Blair; six great-grandchildren, Frankie Welsh, Braxtyn Welsh, Omar Hernandez, Nicholas Hernandez, Ariana Hernandez, and Elissa Hernandez; sister, Bobbie Beacht; and a host of other family and friends.

Never afraid of getting his hands dirty, Wayne was hard worker from sunup to sundown, especially when it came to providing for his family. He loved his children more than anything and always had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne will be remembered for being a true cowboy at heart. He may have been often seen wearing either flannel shirts or shirts with no sleeves, but he was never seen without his cowboy boots and legendary cowboy hat.

He enjoyed being outdoors. Whether it was going to the beach, to the mountains, or anywhere in-between, he simply loved being one with animals and nature. When he wasn’t working or taking in the outdoors, Wayne could be found faithfully watching NASCAR and routing for his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt.

Wayne was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and who always put his family first. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He has traded his cowboy hat for a halo...