Joseph Lee Hardy Jr. (Joe) of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away in the early morning of Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Baptist Medical Center South in Jacksonville. Joe died suddenly and unexpectedly from a blood bacterial infection that led to sepsis. He did not have Coronavirus. He was forty-four years old. Joe leaves behind his beloved wife, Zena; and two children, Lucas (age 7) and Stella (age 2); his mother, Terri Goodykoontz and stepdad, Charlie; father, Joe Hardy Sr. and stepmom Denise; and a sister, Lauren, and step-brother, Charlie Beal.
Joe was born June 27, 1976, in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1986. He graduated from the University of Florida at Gainesville, Florida in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. For the last ten years Joe was employed in the restaurant industry by Cozzini Brothers Inc. as a sales driver.
Joe was a devoted family man and a wonderful, loving husband, and father. His family meant everything to him. Joe also loved large family get togethers and was beloved not only by his immediate family, but also by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, in laws, and friends.
He was a highly intelligent man with a broad range of interests and enjoyed Jeopardy. Joe loved music and enjoyed listening to a wide variety of genres. His favorite band was Pink Floyd. He loved sports especially golf, baseball, and college basketball. Joe was a devout fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and the Chicago Cubs. He was very proud to be able to share his love of sports with his son Lucas. Joe was also an accomplished amateur photographer. He was known for his tremendous work ethic, dedication, and as a man of utmost integrity. Joe Hardy will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Although Joe lived most of his life in Florida, he greatly valued his Kentucky heritage. He enjoyed being rooted in the Southern culture and had a love for Kentucky bourbon. Cooking was always a passion for Joe; he loved creating delicious, unique meals of all types of cuisines for his family. He was a chef at heart.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery - (904) 285-1130.
Services will be livestreamed, and will be displayed directly below this obituary, beginning approximately ten minutes before the service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the children’s college funds at: www.Ugift529.com
Lucas code: D8W-Z7R
Stella code: V8P-5ø7
Meals for the family can be provided through www.mealtrain.com/trains/k5qk2r
