Robert "Boot" Keeling Hardy
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ROCKY MOUNT - Robert "Boot" Keeling Hardy, age 87, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on September 3, 1934, he was the son of the late John Keeling Hardy and Mildred Elizabeth Lewis Hardy. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Anne Cross Hardy; and his brother, John Lewis Hardy.
Boot and his brother, John, owned and operated Central Caf? in various locations in downtown Rocky Mount for many years. The business was first started by his father in 1927 and Boot and John joined him in partnership as they became adults. Boot's customers were friends and he was blessed to have many in Rocky Mount and eastern North Carolina. He was talented mechanically, able to repair almost anything. He and his wife enjoyed auctions and the fun of finding something interesting and unique. In later years, he enjoyed spending time with great-grandchildren. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Corinthian Lodge #230.
Boot is survived by his daughter, Laura Hardy Earp (David); his son, Robert Keeling Hardy, Jr.; his granddaughter, Michelle Earp Beatty (Locke); great-grandchildren, George, James and Isla Beatty; and his sisters, Elaine Hardy Griffin and Dee Ann Hardy Smith.
A Celebration of Boot's Life will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams officiating. A visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and masking precautions be followed while inside the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Boot's memory to the hospice program at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.