Joseph E. Hardee Jr.
Oct. 4, 1953 – Mar. 16, 2020
HARDEE Jr, Joseph “Joe” E, 66, of Richmond, Virginia passed away on Monday March 16th, 2020 at VCU Hospital. He is survived in death by his loving wife Mary Mitchell Hardee, his two children Joseph “Woody” Hardee and Martha Hardee, along with his daughter-in-law Catherine Hardee, his mother Patricia Hardee, two sisters Dorothy Hardee and Susan Norris, and his favorite friend Bella (Morkie).
Joe was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 4, 1953. He attended Brevard College and then went on to get his Master’s Degree in Engineering at North Carolina State University. He was a structural engineer, who specialized in designing bridges. During his more than 35 years at URS now AECOM, he had his hand in many large projects, such as the “Great Bridge” of Great Bridge, Virginia. He was a member of the Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Concrete Engineers and the Richmond Power Squadron.
Joe enjoyed spending his weekends out on his sailboat in Deltaville, Virginia, and visiting local craft breweries in Richmond. He was a member of Ridge Baptist Church, in Henrico, Virginia where he was a deacon and drove the church bus. He was a determined man, who never let his poor health or circumstances stop him from enjoying life. He will be greatly missed by all family, friends and colleagues.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life service at a later date at Ridge Baptist Church. They also ask that in lieu of sending flowers, you consider making a donation in his name to the Massey Cancer Center at VCU; where he was a patient for the last nine years. In his memory we should all strive to follow his example of humility, love, and not take our health and loved ones for granted for our days to come.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel.
Dear Mary, Woody and Martha,
I was so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was an excellent engineer and I learned a lot from him early in my career. I sat next to him for a number of years before he moved to Richmond and he always made going to work fun. He will always be fondly remembered. Jessie and I send our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Nick Deros
Love you and raising you all up in my thoughts and prayers. I know he is proud and watching down on you all. Another angel protecting and rooting for you.
Joe has been a mentor, brilliant engineer, but most importantly a wonderful person. I had the privilege and honor to know him and work along side him for the last couple of years. His teachings will be remembered. His tenacity, dedication, and commitment is unmatched. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his entire family for their loss.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Joe’s family and loved ones. I met Joe while working on several projects with URS (now AECOM) since 2013. He was a great mentor. One project he designed has yet to constructed by the USACE at Deep Creek, Chesapeake, VA.. This project is over 20 years old now. I am the current project manager and Joe, along with many others before me. I hope the project will eventually begin construction in 2021. We would often take a moment to talk boating. We apparently both loved being on the water. Red – Right-Returning we would say. I admired his very keen eye for detail, organization and making sure things were done right the first time. He was always very understanding, listened and was able to correct course when needed. I will think of him always as I come back home to port, just like he is now. Red-Right-Returning.
Mary,
So sorry about Joe. I enjoyed spending time with you guys when he was in Deltaville, and am so appreciative of his business over the years as he moved up in his boats. I will think fondly of him every time I am in the yard and walk by MissPriss. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Mike Lynch
Norton Yachts
Mary, Martha, and Woody, you have my deepest most sincere sympathy. I pray that you are comforted by your many wonderful memories of the time you had together. May God send you each the strength you need to get through this hard time. Thinking and praying for you.
Mary, we are so very sorry for the loss of Joe. He was such a great guy and will be sorely missed.
Jim and Sharon Jones
Dear Mary,
You probably still remember me from NCSU days. I knew about Joe’s passing from our mutual friend Bob O’Connor.
I have fond memory of our days together in the CE department. Joe was a talented all American and much fun to be around. I still recall his thesis as a copy of it is still standing on my bookshelf.
Ironically, he passed away on the eve of St. Joseph’s day, his Patron Saint, according to our Catholic calendar. St. Joseph is known for his total obedience to the Will of God and for his utter silence.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. You are in my prayers during the trying times.
When dear ones become a memory, their memory becomes a treasure. HUGS
Samir Helou
[email protected]
Mary,
I am stunned to learn this news today. My heart goes out to you and your children.
I have many fond memories of my times with you and Joe during our young adult days in Raleigh. I enjoyed my visits to your place in Cameron Village, visiting, grilling out, listening to your stereo. Joe was always laid back, enjoying life with a big grin on his face.
We did a pretty good job of visiting occasionally for many years after that. I remember visiting you all in Mississippi, Baltimore, and Richmond. I will remember you and your children in my prayers. God bless you all.
Fondly, Rich Eckert
Dear Mary and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing you both on Saturdays at the brewery. You two are the sweetest folks I have ever met.
Please reach out if I can do anything for you. Love you!
Patti McComb
To Mary and the family… Lenso, Michelle & Mikhail extend our heartfelt sympathies during this time of transition. We pray you will find peace in knowing the angels are rejoicing and our Father has welcomed your husband and father.. Hallelujah!!
Joe was the kindest man and I admired his determination of keep moving forward even with all his doctor and hospital appointments.
I choose to think of him on his sail boat, peacefully enjoying his time on the water.
Hey Mary, we just learned today 8/18/21 that Joe had passed…. We are so very sorry to hear about this! Would love to hear from you sometime. email – [email protected] Once again, so very sorry, will be praying for your sweet family! sherry