Mr. Roy Earl Hardy lost his valiant battle with dementia on March 22, 2024.  He was born in Columbus, GA on April 24, 1951.  He resided in Atmore, AL the past 30 years.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Fletcher Hardy and Mildred Inez Hardy of Columbus, GA.

Earl was a veteran of the Mobile club circuit and many other venues around the South.  Earl had performed with Austin's All Stars, The City Limits Band, CC Lewis & The Midnite Groovers, Buddy Allen & The Fishstix, The Voxtones, The Big Dawgs, The Children, The Feel, Ricky Crook, Southfire, The Burns and Hardy Band, and other local bands in the area.  He had played with bands that opened for national acts such as Doug Supernaw, Billy Joe Royal, Wet Willie, The Gap Band, Ace Cannon, And Dan Seals.He had also been a backup drummer for Percy Sledge, Clarence Carter, Tracy Byrd and made an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.  He covered a myriad of styles including soul, country, rock, and blues.  He provided a solid foundation for fellow musicians to build upon, yet, always remained humble about his talent as a drummer and vocalist.

Earl is survived by his wife of 30 years, Julianna F. Hardy of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Jodi Capan (JJ) of Phenix City, AL; his sisters, Ginger Fox of Columbus, GA, Imogene Byrnes of Marietta, GA; his brothers, Keith (Lana) Hardy and Dennis Hardy of Columbus, GA; his stepchildren, John F. Hawkins (Rachel) of Auburn, AL and Liz Kolbe (Jason) of Loxley, AL; his granddaughter, Jacksen Capan; his step-grandchildren, Will Hawkins, Kadence Kolbe and Hudson Kolbe, and his forever fur baby Zoey.

A special thanks to Comfort Care Hospice, We Are Family Home Health Services, and Atmore Nursing Home which made his journey to that great band in the sky more comfortable.  They were there for his every need.  Also, to all the other friends that helped out in various ways.  Special thanks to Carolina Smoak, Wynell Bell, Betty Warren, Bridgitte Covington, and Shay Peters.

He was greatly loved and will be missed every day.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.