John Hardesty

John Robert Hardesty (TP) was born on July 17, 1953 to Robert and Rita Hardesty in Louisville, Kentucky. After John graduated from Bishop David High school in 1970, he  went on to receive his BS in Elementary Education at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee. There he made lifelong friends that have stayed with him until the very end. John started a teaching job and coaching basketball at Ripley High School, Ripley, Tennessee where his love for coaching and sports began. He met and married the love his life, Linda Bruce Hardesty in 1978, where they went on to have 2 beautiful children, Brook Leanne Hardesty and Amber Leanne Hardesty.

In 2021, John received his cancer diagnosis and began treatment. After a long fight, John stopped treatment, retired to be with his wife and loved ones and live out his life reconnecting with, loving and impacting so many around him. Linda honored him with a Friendsgiving party in November that year where he could gather around more than 450 family, friends and loved ones he knew through every phase of his life to celebrate the gift of their love and memories. How blessed he was to have a visual of every person in his life he had touched and impacted since the very beginning. Just like his favorite movie …. “It’s A Wonderful Life"

John was proceeded in death by his mother, Rita Hardesty and father Robert Hardesty. Brothers Robert (Robby) Paul and John Michael. Mother in law, Thelma Bruce. Oldest daughter, Brook (Hardesty) McCormick . Grandson, Trey McCormick. He is survived by his wife, Linda Bruce Hardesty. Daughter, Amber (Hardesty) Beasley. Son-in-law, Gary Beasley. Their 3 children (John's Grandchildren) Brook Beasley, Emma Beasley and Sadie Beasley. His big brother, Charles Russell Hardesty and his wife Sue Hardesty. Their 3 children (John's nieces) Robin Phelps, Rebecca Hardesty and Laura Brague. His big sister, Mary Jo Guelda (Bitsy) and her husband Charles Guelda (Junie). Their two children(John's niece and nephew) Chad Guelda and Marci Bostock (Guelda).  And 7 grandnieces and 4 grandnephews.

On February 27, 1981, John welcomed his first baby girl (Brook) into the world and on February 27,2023 Brook welcomed him into heaven. The bell rang and John got his wings.

John Hardesty (TP) never met a stranger and lived his life the way God truly intended us to. Spreading joy, showing love and leaving others touched by faith and His mercy. He loved with all his heart, never hesitated to lend a helping hand and always showed up without questions or expectations for loved ones and strangers.  He truly believed in doing the right thing  Despite all of life's loss and sadness, John never let the hardships and despair stop him from living a meaningful and great life. May we all remember the joy, happiness and light he filled this world with and pass it along in honor of him and the beautiful mark he's left on each and everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 11th from 12-1:00 pm at St. Edward Church & School. Followed by Mass, which will begin at 1:00 pm in the church. Reception to follow in the gym.

188 Thompson Lane

Nashville TN, 37211

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Edward Church - Trey McCormick (Grandson) Memorial Scholarship in John’s memory.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Hardesty's arrangements. Please visit his tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.