Rickey Hardin

Mr. Rickey Arnold Hardin, age 73, of Boaz, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He had experienced declining health in recent years.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at McRae Funeral Home in Boaz, Alabama. Bro. Chris Clark, Bro. Adrian Black, and Bro. Jimmy Ashley will officiate. Interment will follow at Asbury Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the service.

A native of Grant, Alabama, Rickey was born on August 26, 1952. He was a 1971 graduate of K.D.S. DAR High School. After graduation, he began a long career in the oil manufacturing industry, which included positions with Amoco Oil Company and Warren Distribution. He retired in 2017 after serving in several upper management roles. After retirement he enjoyed his part time job as a vehicle delivery driver for Murphy Wholesale. In 1972 Ricky married the love of his of his life, Peggy Ashley. They enjoyed 54 wonderful years together raising their family.

Rickey was a member of Martling Holiness Church and was sometimes called “Peppermint Rick,” as he always kept a pocketful of peppermints to hand out. He had a love for antique vehicles and enjoyed attending car shows. Among his favorites were a 1970 CST-10 Chevrolet pickup and a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air which was his first vehicle. He also enjoyed woodworking, creating everything from furniture to country crafts. In the 1980s, he sold his handcrafted pieces at Trade Day.

Rickey was quiet and a good listener but loved to pull a good prank. He was a great family storyteller who enjoyed sharing memories from his childhood and teenage years. He was a devoted family man who will be greatly missed for his wisdom and guidance.

Rickey is survived by his wife, Peggy Ashley Hardin; daughter, Michelle Murphy (Shane); son, Brad Hardin (Kenya); grandchildren, Ty Murphy, Lauren Murphy, and Jacquelyn Hardin; sister, Pam Smith (Rickey); brother, Jimmy Hardin; niece, Nicole Benson (Adam); and great-nephew, Tanner Lohr. He is also survived by his step-siblings, Patti Whitaker (Sam), Ronald Bevel (Sharon), Jerry Shores (Vickie), and Bobby Shores, as well as special friends who were like family, John and Angela Pinkerton and their children. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Arnold and Della Hardin; his mother and stepfather, Martha and Eddie V. Shores; and his sister, Patsy Ashley.

Pallbearers will be Ty Murphy, Kyle Key, Dustin Key, Landon Black, Waymon Maples, Taylor Pinkerton, Logan Finlayson, and Brian Renfroe. Honorary pallbearers will be Rickey Smith, Bobby Dabbs, Jimmy Pilkington and Donald Johnson.