George W. Hardy

George Washington Hardy, Jr., affectionately known by many as “Party Hardy,” was born March 3, 1939, in New Zion, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late James Webb and Lizzie McDowell. God in His infinite wisdom, chose George from his labor to reward on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

George received his former education in the public schools of Clarendon County (Walker Gamble School), where he served and participated in various clubs and organizations. He worked and served in several capacities including truck driver (BP Oil); floor maintenance at Piggly Wiggly, Manning, South Carolina; school bus driver; and school custodian of Clarendon School District 3, where he retired after working for over 28 years. George was also the owner and operator of “The House of Blue Lights” (Club 527), where people from all “walks of life” met to fellowship and enjoy each other. He was a popular D Jay for many years, earning him the title of “Party Hardy.” George was also the first from this community to take a group to the “Moe the Rooster” Show in Florence, South Carolina back in the seventies. This show was aired on WYNN Radio Station, where the late Danny Tindal was the host. He also had a band called the “Hardy Combo,” where the late Lee Earnest McCray was the drummer.

At an early age, George began his spiritual journey and joined Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Abraham Fleming, Sr. The church was later joined in conjunction to Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church as one church. In past years, he worked devotedly with the Sunday School Department (Church School) as School Superintendent; member of the Trustee Board; member of the Gospel Choir; and the president of the Willing Workers’ Organization.

George was very active in the community assisting people with any needs that he could be of service. His joy came from helping others. He was also an astute businessperson and farmer in the community.

His father James Webb, his mother, Lizzie McDowell, stepmother, Edna M. Webb, and maternal grandparents who reared him as their own, Elise and George Hardy, Sr. preceded him in death; along with four brothers, Willie “Jimmy” McDowell, James “Sam” McDowell, Bennie Lee Webb, and Joe “Tea” McDowell;  and four sisters, Elizabeth Webb Washington, Mary Webb Jones, Olivia Harris, and Shirley Webb Claven also preceded him in death.

George leaves to cherish his loving  memories two daughters, Melinda Moses Humes of Pinewood, SC, and Schanell E. Montgomery of Florence, SC; five grandchildren, Derod “Rod” Fleming, Greenville, SC, Jeremy Moses Columbia, SC, Robert Moses, Jr., Andre’ Moses, and Angela Moses of Sumter, SC; eighteen great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; five sisters, Lizzie Stokeling Baltimore; MD, Fannie Rump, Mt. Vernon, NY; Edna W. (Timothy) Palmore, Anniston, AL; Carolyn W. (Willie) Prince and Barbara W. Levine of Sumter, SC; four brothers,  Mothar “Stick” McDowell of Baltimore, MD; Harry Lee (Valarie)  Webb, Bishopville, SC; John L. Webb and James E. (Bernard) Webb of Sumter, SC; two  sisters-in-law, Barbara McDowell, Baltimore, MD and Dr. Abigail Webb of Sumter, SC; a “special” niece, Ashley Webb; a “special” nephew, Marcus (Adrienne) Lawson; companion/caregiver, Sharon Witherspoon; “special” friends, LeRoy Wells, Walter “Chuck” Nelson, Joyce Taylor, Johnny McDowell, and Gladys M. Burgess; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.