Ellis Winfred Hardison

Ellis Winfred Hardison, of Robbins, NC, completed a full, rich life on July 11, 2026, at Autumn Care of Biscoe at the age of 95. He was born May 20, 1931, in Rowan County, NC.

He courageously fought cancer for over 8 years and inspired many with his positive attitude and determination to live the best life he could. His belief in the Lord was paramount and sustained him through life’s challenges.

Ellis served in the US Army Air Corps and worked 38 years for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, NC. He enjoyed retirement by gardening, woodworking, beekeeping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He had a lifelong interest in politics and history and loved to share stories from his life.

His belief in doing for others motivated him to be a lifelong volunteer through various groups and associations, including Little League, Boy Scouts, schools, refereeing, Winston-Salem Police Auxiliary, NC Extension Service, and his churches.

He influenced and taught many beekeepers around North Carolina through mentoring and teaching classes at numerous community colleges and clubs. Traveling to other countries to learn and work with bees and beekeepers allowed him to reach 6 continents. He served as the president of the Moore County Beekeepers and for 6 years as a Regional Director for the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. He volunteered at the NC Zoo Honey Bee Garden for 10 years and loved talking with visitors about bees. Ellis was a recipient of one of North Carolina’s highest awards, the Order of the Longleaf Pine and also the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. Ellis earned the Master Craftsman Beekeeper Award and was presented the McIver-Hass Lifetime Achievement Award by NC State Beekeepers Association in 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Elliott Hardison; sons Mike Hardison (Jane) of Lewisville, NC, and Robin Hardison (Billie) of Rock Hill, SC; daughter Cathy Dezarn of King, NC; brother Wade Hardison (Lou) of Conway, SC; grandchildren, Brandy Nelson, Julie Parks (Rory), Jared Hardison (Megan), and Thomas Hardison (Joy), eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Isaac Lewis Hardison and Era Plowman Hardison, brothers Isaac Lewis Hardison, Jr., Billy Lester Hardison (Shirley), and baby sister Naomi Margaret Hardison, known as Virginia Dare Hardison.

The family would like to thank the rehabilitation staff of Autumn Care, the Hematology staff of Forsyth Medical Center, especially Dr. Kathleen Elliott, who always laughed with him and helped him keep going, Tillery Compassionate Care, and Cindy Williams, who helped so much.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Smyrna Church in Robbins. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center.

Memorials may be made to the Smyrna Church Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com

Services are entrusted to Kennedy Funeral Home.