Straiton Hard III
September 23, 1951 ~ September 3, 2016
Resided in:
Decatur, GA
Straiton Hard, III passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at his home in Decatur, Georgia after a long illness. He was 64 years of age. A graduate of Henry W. Grady High School and Georgia State University, Straiton spent his professional career as a manager of the Parking Company of America and also worked for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution for 17 years, being fully vested at his retirement in 2013. Known for his easy laughter, delightful stories, and generosity of spirit, Straiton found friends among all who knew him. As a recipient of a kidney transplant in 1989, he was active for many years with the Emory Transplant Support Program. He also participated in the Emory Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, becoming an avid table tennis player. This led to several enjoyable years of playing at the Dekalb County Parks and Recreation Center, winning medals in both singles and doubles tournament competition from 2003-2015. He also coached a gold medal winner in the Special Olympics of 2012. A just and loving man, Straiton brightened the lives of many and will be missed by those who were privileged to know him. He is survived by his wife, Deirdre Yvonne Hard, his son, Andrew Straiton Hard, his stepson, DeAndre Lamon Wilson, and by his sister, Virginia Hard Teague. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Foundation of Wesley Woods, Inc. designated to "Benevolent Care." A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Wages & Sons, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30086. Visitation begins at 10 o'clock am before the 11 o'clock am Memorial Service.
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I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I hope the good memories will comfort you during this sad time.
Please accept my condolences. I am sorry for this loss to you and all your family. I am so glad I was able to spend more time with Straiton this year and get to know him better. He shared a lot of stories from his life and it was clear he really loved you. May more peace and understanding come eventually.
Straiton always had a smiling face.Recently spoke to Straiton after Moss Robertson’s wedding. He will be missed.
Dear Family,
Am indeed going to miss Stration at all of the Grady get togethers. He so enjoyed coming to them and talking and laughing with his classmates. His sense of humor and laugh will be sorely missed. I remember once he and Deirdre were at a restaurant near Northlake and I introduced him to some of my family and we shared a few memories of being classmates while laughing all the same time. He had a kind heart; remember how he assisted and encouraged others in relation to Phillip’s problems. Am thankful I knew him and send my thoughts and prayers to his family.
I’m so sorry to learn about Straiton’s passing. I knew him @ Grady H.S. – he was always kind, and had a
great sense of humor, along with a soft heart.
The entire Tuttle family joins in sending condolences and love. We hold fond memories of all growing up together on The Prado.
Deirdre and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Straiton was such a nice guy and I always looked forward to seeing the both of you at the Grady events. He will be missed by many….my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Striaton was a wonderful person who was kind to everyone. His smile lit up a room! My thoughts are with you, his family, and all the people he loved. I hope you find great comfort in your beautiful memories.
I am so sad that he has passed. My love to you Deirdre and Virginia and all his family and friends. I must be at the store Saturday, I am sorry to miss his memorial .
Deepest sympathies to the family. I knew Straiton in high school and thought very highly of him. He was always a very liked person by classmates and all. He and his kind heart will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out especially for Deirdre, Andrew, and Virginia in their time of loss. Each day we ask God to receive Straiton’s soul with mercy and a safe resting place.
Looking forward to being with all the cousins soon to celebrate his life,
Margot and John Schultz
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive divine mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – Hebrews 4:16
Deirdre and Andrew,
I am so sorry and saddened by the loss of Straiton, and my heart and condolences are with you at this time. . He was such a kind, warm and compassionate person. A good human being and a great neighbor, too. I will miss him very much. And so will Rocco!
I knew Straiton through table tennis. He participated in the DeKalb Senior Olympics for several years and had several medals to show for it. Although a fierce competitor, he remained a “class act” and fine gentleman. I am glad to have known him and send my condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Virginia – Please know that Craig and I are thinking of you and praying for you now.
Dear Virginia – My condolences and prayers of comfort go out to you.
I am so sorry to hear the news. I am sending all my thoughts and prayers to you all. Straiton and I were High School friends.
Lots of fun memories there. We have stayed in touch on and off over the years. There for he use to call me his ( sucky) friend.
I will truly miss talking to my friend.
God Bless the Hard Family
Stratton was a kind, gentle, funny soul who touched all who knew him. My condolences to Deidre and his family.
Deirdre,
my condolences and prayers are with you during this time. I smile as I think about those many times Straiton and I would engage in conversation . He would just be getting off from work and I would be driving up for the kids’ piano lessons. We would come up with way to save the world in 20 minutes. Stay Encouraged.
Dear Deirdre, you and Straiton have been such good neighbors. I am so sorry you have lost your friend and partner. As others have said, Straiton was indeed a kind man.
Deirdre and family, so very sorry to hear of Straiton’s passing. I’ll always remember his warm smile and kind nature. He was a friend to all who met him and an especially good friend to me. This world is just a sadder place without him in it.
Virginia, so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. We’re praying for you and your family today.
I’m so sorry to hear of Straiton’s passing. We were neighbors many years ago in Decatur, and Andrew played with my children Lorraine and Christopher. I have many memories of him…he was a kind and gentle man.
So sorry I could not be with you today, Virginia. I am 7 hours away and did not have the money for plane fare, until my SS check comes in on the 13 th. But I do want yo to know that I am there with you in spirit. You are not alone, you have many who love you.
Virginia, I am so sorry I could not attend Straiton’s Memorial Service yesterday, but we had some health issues going on here at home that kept me away. Just know that you and Straiton and his family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and always.