Willie E. Hardge

Willie Eddie Hardge, 90, of Jacksonville, Florida, peacefully departed this life on August 15, 2025.  He was born August 8, 1935, in Vidalia, Georgia.  Willie was the beloved son of the Late Mattie Lou Jenkins-Hardge and the late Nathaniel Hardge. 

Willie received his early education on the local schools of Toombs County, Georgia.  In pursuit of new opportunities, he relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he proudly enlisted in the United States Army.  His time in the service instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, responsibility, and pride.

Following his military service, Willie discovered his true calling behind the wheel.  He began a long and successful career as a tractor-trailer driver, working for several great companies over the years. His hard work and dedication spanned more than five decades until he retired in 2007.
 

Never one to sit still, Willie soon found a new way to serve the community as a school bus driver.  In November 2007, he joined First Student Transportation, later transitioning to Student Transportation of America.  Affectionally, known to students and co-workers by his bus number, “Two-Five Two,” he quickly became a beloved figure in the community.  Willie officially retired from this second career on May 24, 2023, at the remarkable age of eighty-seven.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia Hardge and his brother, Nathaniel Hardge, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children, Willie Hardge, Jr., Rosa Howell, Rosalyn Hardge and LaTonya Whitfield (MarQuan); ten grandchildren, Chavon Johnson (Roderick), Jaron Howell, LaQuan Howell, Ronnisha Jerido, Brian Armstrong, Eugenia Bowman, JaVon Howell, Rinekia Williams, Everette Walden and MarQuan Whitfield, Jr.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, LeRoy Robinson, Judy Robinson-Stokes, Dallas Robinson and Shelia Bailey (Booker); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. 

Willie will be remembered for his tireless work ethics, gentle spirit and the quiet strength he shared with everyone who had the honor of knowing him.  His legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. 
 

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