Kenneth Hardy, 78, of Center, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Center. David Williams will officiate. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine.

Pallbearers will be Luke Mooney, Chase Henderson, David Alford, Chris Dykes, Tommy “Kool Aid” Morris, Chad Lout, Jason Griffin, and Bo Mooney. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Strong, Richard Tomlin, Dennis Liker, Jerryl Adams, Donny Adams, Rosco McSwain, JB Raymond, Claude Lucas, Jim Moss, Bency Hooper, and Jerry Griffin.

Kenneth was born July 25, 1948, in Center, to Thelton Lamar Hardy and Merinell LaJoyce Williams. Kenneth graduated from Shelbyville High School, where he played football throughout his school years. He continued his passion for football at Tyler Junior College, where he majored in mathematics and began his career as a machinist. Kenneth later returned to Center, Texas, where he continued his career at Adams Machine Shop. In 1975, he founded Hardy’s Machine and Welding, where he continued working until retiring at the age of 77 in 2026.

Throughout his life, Kenneth had a passion for boat racing. He spent many years competing, traveling, and making countless memories through the sport before eventually retiring from racing. His love for boat racing remained an important part of his life for many years.

Kenneth and his first wife, Vicky Lee, welcomed their son, Brandon Hardy, in 1973. Kenneth and Brandon shared a love for hunting, fishing, and sports and spent many years enjoying these activities together. Brandon preceded Kenneth in death in 1989.

Later in life, Kenneth met Kathy Hardy, who became his wife and remained lovingly by his side for the rest of his life. Their marriage was filled with deep love, companionship, and countless cherished memories.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Hardy of Center, Texas; daughter, Brooke Howard and son in law Chris Dykes of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Sawyer Dykes of Denver, Colorado, and Aubrey Alvarez of Houston, Texas; sisters and brother, Wylma and husband Delbert Beckham of Center, Texas, Richard Hardy and wife Cheryl of Harleton, Texas, and Laurel Daily of Bridge City, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Jimmy Strong of Center, Texas.

Preceded in death by his son, Brandon Hardy; daughter, Amber Alvarez; parents, Thelton Lamar Hardy and Merinell LaJoyce Williams; and brother-in-law, George Daily.

Kenneth spent his life surrounded by friends, family, and the community he called home. He was well known throughout Center and loved by many. Kenneth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness, generosity, and abundance of love will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.