William “Hardy” Stephens III Life’s Story
Hardy passed on June 17, 2024. Born December 17, 1954 to Leslie (Kennedy)
Nadrich and William Hardy Stephens Jr. in Cordele GA.
Hardy is survived by his wife of 36 years Nancy Christine Stephens (Christy), son
Jerrod E. Stephens and daughter Dannielle C. Stephens all of Crestview. He leaves
behind nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his mother, father and brother Barry E. Stephens of
Cordele GA.
He graduated from McGavick HS Nashville, TN. After high school he received his
Aircraft Maintenance Licenses from Georgia Tech. He moved from Georgia to
Panama City, FL. in 1980 where he worked for Sowell Aviation as Aircraft
Mechanic. Soon thereafter, Hardy met Christy at the Treasure Ship on Panama
City Beach and the rest is history.
He moved to Crestview, FL. in 1987 to accept a job from Bob Keller at Sunshine
Aero Industries as the Director of Aircraft Maintenance Operations. Christy soon
followed to become part of the Sunshine Aero Team. They were married the
following year.
Hardy was an avid Harley Rider and planned many rides and long trips with
friends. He enjoyed barbecuing, he was known and certified as producing the
World’s Best Barbecue, by George Fair, official barbecue taster of Lockheed
Martin. Hardy won first place in his first Barbecue Rib Contest at the Triple B in
Crestview with his team “When Pigs Fly” sponsored by Sunshine Aero. He
enjoyed Football, Super Bowl Sunday, often hosting Super Bowl Parties. He could
mostly be found in his favorite spot in his Man Cave. It was always 5 o’clock
somewhere.
Hardy is deeply missed by his family and friends.
RIDE FREE HARDY “STYLIN AND PROFYLIN”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunshine Aero Industries Hangar Crestview
Airport, 3164 Airport RD, Crestview, FL. on Friday July 12, 2024 from 2pm till ….
Condolences are welcome. No cemetery arrangements Please.
Sunshine Aero Industries Hangar Crestview Airport
Stan and JoAnn Millikan
June 21, 2024, 11:36 pm
Stan and I always were shown the best time while visiting with Hardy and his family. We esp remember him telling us that when he visited some family members in Kentucky during the winter he said “That was the $%#@#$est cold he had ever been in his life” 😁😁 The family he visited only heated by a wood burning stove and they were very frugal conserving energy. 😁 Hardy left too soon and will be missed greatly by his friends and esp his immediate family ( Christy, Jerrod and Dannielle). Our hearts are with you guys.
Stephanie Head
June 21, 2024, 11:38 pm
Sending prayers to Kristy and family during this difficult time. Wish we could be there to support you. Love you.
Uncle Doug and Stephanie
Sarah
June 21, 2024, 11:52 pm
Ride High my friend. You will be missed🙏
Linda Angelo
June 22, 2024, 12:39 am
So sorry for the loss of this father, brother, son and spouse. My prayers are with his family and friends. No words can lighten their pain but prayers for their peace may.
Christy
June 22, 2024, 10:16 pm
Hardy was the sweetest man I have ever known who was tuff as nails. He was my Mr. Fix It, my Rock, my Love, my everything. Rest in peace until we meet again in eternity. I will love you always.
John Kiger
June 25, 2024, 6:49 am
I read this with a heavy heart. Hardy was an awesome Director of Maintenance, mentor and friend. Thoughts and prayers family, the SAI Team and friends. A great loss for sure.
Dale & Libby Avery and family
June 27, 2024, 3:24 am
In loving memory of our friend Hardy who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there
Praying for you Christy, Jerrod and Dannielle during this difficult time