James R. Hardy, 87, of Liberty, died Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. He was born on October 31, 1928, in San Augustine, to Alma Hall Hardy and Random R. Hardy, and had been a longtime resident of Liberty. Hardy was a United States Air Force veteran. He retired as Superintendent of Devers Independent School District after forty-three years of employment in public schools.

Hardy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and following sports. More than anything, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

Hardy is survived by his wife of sixty years, Glenda L. Hardy, of Liberty; children, Rennae Null and her husband, Alan, of Bevil Oaks and Kristi Abshier and her husband, Cody, of Liberty; grandchildren, Ryan Hardy Null, Conor Alan Null, William Cody Abshier, Jr., and Whitney Abshier; godsons, Sean Hardy Nelson and Sean Harvey; sister, Ruby Thornton, of Silsbee; and very special brother-in-law, Joe Love and his wife, Sandra, of Newton.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Buck Hardy.

A gathering of Mr. Hardy’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2015, at First Baptist Church, 602 Main Street, Liberty. His interment will follow at Cooks Memorial Cemetery, Liberty, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.