On March 13, 1944, Leroy Allen Hardy was born to the union of the late Mattie Lee Hardy and John Douglas Hardy in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. The youngest of eleven children born to Mattie and John, Leroy was reared and educated in Newton, Mississippi. He graduated from N.H. Pilate High School in 1963.

Being a standout star of the N.H. Pilate High School's football team, Leroy garnered the nickname "Flash". His talents were recognized by Alcorn College where he was awarded a full athletic scholarship. During his matriculation at Alcorn from 1963 - 1967, he proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the football field. After playing four years as running back for the Alcorn Braves, he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education. He credited his coaches, Richard Polk and Walter Reed, for encouraging him to be the best. Their guidance enabled him to enhance his athletic abilities, develop a strong work ethic and increased his desire to succeed.

In 1967, Leroy was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the position of defensive back. Even though this was a monumental milestone in his life, an injury during pre-season placed him on the injured reserve list. Although, Leroy was not able to continue as a defensive back for the Houston Oilers, he did not let the injury be the end to his athletic career. Overcoming what one would consider adversity, he continued to pursue his dreams of educating and molding youth throughout his professional career.

From 1967 to 1972, Leroy was a faculty member at Crystal Springs High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Once afforded the opportunity for advancement in 1972, he then moved to Gulfport, Mississippi to begin a lengthy and monumental career as a physical education teacher and coach within the Gulfport School District. In Gulfport, Leroy united in matrimony with Fay Carolyn Williams. Together, they nurtured and raised their son Robert "Bobby" Marble.

Leroy served as a P.E. teacher at Bayou View Junior High School the entirety of his teaching career in Gulfport. He served as the Head Coach for the Gulfport High School Baseball Team from 1983 – 1995. Under his leadership, he led the baseball team to win the South Big 8 Championships in 1983 and 1984. In 1985, under his guidance the team won the 5A State Championship. He also served as a long-time assistant for Gulfport Admirals Football Team as a defensive backs coach. During these years, Coach Hardy (as he was affectionately known), impacted the lives of countless players and students. His guidance, tough love, and leadership continues to resonate with those he encountered even until today. Leroy was a dedicated faculty and coach of the Gulfport School District until his retirement in 1995. After his coaching and teaching career concluded, he continued to serve the school district as a bus driver.

Leroy was recognized and inducted into Alcorn State University's Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2016, he was honored and selected to the Crossroads Diamond Club Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. He was inducted to the N.H. Pilate Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Lastly, he was inducted into the Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Leroy enjoyed traveling in his RV to visit family members as often as he could. He also loved working outdoors in his yard. He took great pride and joy in maintaining his lawn and even personally cutting the grass of the Gulfport High Baseball Field.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Robert Marble, Sr., and daughter-in-law, Bettina Marble; Two-grandchildren, Robert Marble, Jr. and Xavier Marble; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay Carolyn Hardy; Parents: Mattie and John Hardy; Five brothers: John Hardy Jr, Joe Hardy, Scipio Hardy, Berlin Hardy and Henry Hardy; Five sisters: Bessie Neal, Hester Henderson, Edna Dean McCune, Climmiet Lay and Mary Evans; and One daughter: Currin Hardy.

As a courtesy to family and friends, the family of Mr. Hardy has provided virtual attendance, via Zoom. To view live, please follow the link below.

Leroy Hardy's Virtual Zoom Funeral

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83386389708?pwd=TjMzMWNnd3VRZWRnVnRvMDB2UU5yQT09

Meeting ID: 833 8638 9708
Passcode: LOCKETT(ALL UPPERCASE)