Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Scott Allen Hardy, age 48

Scott Allen Hardy, 48, of Little Rock passed away on December 6, 2019.  He was born in Dardanelle on January 22, 1971 to the late Don and Vera Bates Hardy. 

He loved to laugh…especially at himself, his sense of humor was quick and sometimes dry.  As much as he loved to laugh, he loved his family and friends even more and was deeply grateful for their love and support throughout his life. He loved music, particularly David Bowie, Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton (especially “Hard Candy Christmas”) and exploring YouTube where he discovered Billie Eilish and others.

He loved art and usually accompanied his husband, Ellis Widner, Democrat Gazette Sunday Style Editor, to art gallery openings and visits to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  He also enjoyed reading, especially the works of Patti Smith (whose music he also loved), Tennessee Williams, William Shakespeare and F. Scott Fitzgerald.  S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” and Charles Protis “True Grit” were touchstones for him in his youth.  Scott enjoyed traveling, particularly within Arkansas and visits to San Francisco, Santa Fe and Oceanside, California.

Scott graduated from Dardanelle High School in 1989.  After high school, he served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Searcy Beauty College in 1998 and worked in several Little Rock salons.  He was employed by Cosmo Prof, where he had worked full and part time for about 8 years.

Scott changed directions in 2017 and enrolled in the culinary program at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College.  He graduated in May with the highest honors with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts.  Following in his parents footsteps, Don and Vera Bates Hardy of Dardanelle; both of his parents cooked in restaurants in the Dardanelle and Russellville areas.  Scott worked for restaurants in the Little Rock area and was considering working in catering.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving spouse Ellis Widner, of the home; his siblings Donna Darter of Russellville, Linda Jaggears (Terry) of Navarre, Florida, Jo Bragg (Guy) of Russellville, Bill Niemeyer (Teresa) of Fort Smith, Jerry Niemeyer of Fort Smith, Bobby Gene Hardy of Columbus, Georgia; many nieces and nephews; close friends Charlotte Besch, Jim Edumnds and Elizabeth Weber, all of Little Rock; and many other friends and relatives.

A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery in Mt. Nebo, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, friends are donating to Lucie’s Place and the Pulaski County Humane Society.

Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400

14 Comments

  • Diana Shearon Posted December 10, 2019 8:27 AM

    Dear Ellis, Scott’s family and friends,
    Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of you. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Diana Shearon

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 4:02 PM

      Thank you Diana, Scott was always happy to see you.

  • kirk montgomery Posted December 10, 2019 8:44 AM

    Scott was always the nicest, most gentle person. I wish I had gotten to know him better, and I am so sorry he passed away at such a young age.

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 4:01 PM

      Thank you Kirk. Scott loved hearing about our Friday coffees with Nikki. He was a rare jewel.

  • Diane Harper Posted December 10, 2019 9:15 AM

    Oh Ellis, our hearts are hurting in hearing the news of Scott’s passing. His sweet, kind and gentle soul will be remembered with the highest fondness and love. Hugs to you my dear sweet Ellis and to all Scott’s family and friends.

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 3:59 PM

      Thank you so very much, Diane he was all those things. He filled my life with joy and love.

  • Cynthia Middleton Posted December 10, 2019 11:30 AM

    Ellis – I was so sorry to read about the death of Scott. He sounds like a great person. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Take care. Cindy Middleton

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 3:58 PM

      Thank you, Cindy. He really was a great man.

  • Dale G Freeman Posted December 11, 2019 8:14 AM

    Ellis, we go back decades, before the Internet, cell phones, and color TV for that matter. I was sorry to hear of your loss. Be assured of our warm thoughts and fervent prayers during this time.

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 3:57 PM

      Thank you Dale. Peace to all beings.

  • Celia Storey Posted December 11, 2019 8:01 PM

    Dear Ellis, I liked Scott because of what loving him did for you. I watched you reawaken to a world full of fun, adventure and serious joy. He made the world better.

    • Ellis Posted December 17, 2019 3:56 PM

      Thank you Celia, he really did make the world better. Mine too.

  • mark wilson Posted December 26, 2019 11:20 PM

    God he was so young. I am so sorry Ellis

    • Ellis Posted December 27, 2019 2:07 PM

      Thank you Mark, I appreciate it.

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