Lucius “LA” Augustus Hardee, III, 84

Lucius “LA” Augustus Hardee, III, 84 of Orange Park, FL, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023.  He was born in Jacksonville, FL on June 23, 1938 to the late Lucius Augustus Hardee, Jr. and Mildred Campbell Hardee.

Mr. Hardee attended Fishwier Elementary School where he was captain of the School Boy Safety Patrol, Bishop Kenny and Bolles.  L.A. enjoyed all sports and excelled at baseball.  He was the pitcher for the St. John’s Park Midget Baseball Team and twice pitched a no-hitter.  As the years passed, he joined a weight lifting club; he entered competition in Georgia and Florida winning many trophies even into his forties.

While a young man, he joined the US Army, spending much of his enlistment in Greenland.  After his tour of duty, he entered the insurance business making it his lifelong occupation.  He was so successful that he was awarded trips to Europe and Canada.  He was also founder and owner of the Hardee Map Company.  Because he was a notary and chaplain of some lineage societies, he officiated over three hundred weddings.

L.A. was a 57 year Mason, a member of the American Legion Post 250 of Middleburg, FL, the Moose Lodge, The Kirby Smith Camp #1209 Sons of Confederate Veterans, and a member of the Military Stars and Bars.  He was a pro-tem President of the Museum of Southern History and served on the board of directors as well as volunteering fifteen years as a tour guide and presenting historical programs.  He was also a member of the Black Creek Methodist Church of Middleburg, FL (formerly Middleburg United Methodist Church), where he seldom missed a service.

Mr. Hardee was preceded in death by his daughter, Loree Furr and is survived by his daughters, Letricia (Paul) Stroup and Lenea (Johnny) Marshall, sister, Gail Broderick, step-children, Edward Chandler and Lavonda Conners, partner, Maxine Behrens and her son Bruce Brehens, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Black Creek Methodist Church with Pastor Brian Sanderson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   Visitation with the family will begin a noon on Thursday until services begin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Museum of Southern History, 4304 Hershel Street Jacksonville, FL  32210 or Black Creek Methodist Church, 3925 Main Street, Middleburg, FL 32068

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720