Sammy Rickie Hardison

Sammy Rickie Hardison, of Kinston, NC, went to he be with his heavenly father on Thursday, September 15, 2022.  He was a devoted husband of 55 years, loving father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He was a sweet and tender-hearted man who was full of love for everyone.  He proudly served our country in the Army, a past ER of the Kinston Elks Lodge and a member of Tanglewood Church of God. Ricky loved the game of golf and fishing, but his biggest joy came from the time with his children and grandchildren. He was a family man to the core and that is what defined who he truly was, a man of integrity and love. Ricky also took a great pride in laughing at his own jokes and practical jokes especially at the cost of his children’s embarrassment. Ricky was full of wit and always had a corny joke- even when times were tough, he was still able to make others laugh. He was a mainstay at any and every event that his grandkids were involved in whether he liked it or not, always the biggest and committed fan. The world was truly a special place with Ricky Hardison and everyone that knew him or ever met him.
Ricky was preceded in death by his father James, mother Bessie and brother Elmer.
Ricky is survived by his wife, Jackie Hardison of Kinston, and their three children, Michelle Hardison Priola and Joe Franklin of Kinston, Sam Hardison and fiancé Jennifer King of Kinston, Scott and Rachel Hardison, of Kinston, and four grandchildren Walker Hardison, Kenly Hardison, Sammi-Grace Hardison and Charlotte Hardison; brother JT Hardison and wife Kathy of Kinston, and sister Linda Grant of Kinston. Also special family friend and caretaker, Linda Sykora.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Tanglewood Church of God in Kinston, NC with pastor Allen Stocks and Mike Roper officiating.  The family will be accepting visitation after the service.  A full military burial, at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC, will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, for the immediate family.  
A wonderful man was lost but the family is taking comfort in knowing that he has finally been made whole.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Home or Tanglewood Church of God.