BUDDY BJ HARDIN

Honorable, faithful and devoted to his family until the end, former Blades Mayor Buddy “BJ” Hardin passed into the Lord’s arms at age 85 on Sunday, December 30th surrounded by loved ones following a mercifully short and peaceful illness at his home in Blades.

A native of Tennessee, BJ lived for many years in Delaware, serving his adopted home town for more than 25 years as town councilman and later mayor of Blades, which would name the community hall in his honor. 

BJ also served his nation as a medic in the US Army during the Korean War, and worked as an IBEW electrician until his retirement in 1995. For 40 years, he was a member of Blades United Methodist Church, serving as choir director, lay leader and certified lay speaker. 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy Maloney Hardin of Blades, his daughters (Beverly and Walter Lewanowicz of Richmond, Virginia, Beth and Tom Lewis of Richmond, Virginia); grandchildren Gordon, Kate, Meredith, Grayson and Garrett; his beloved great-granddaughter Olivia; his sister (Elizabeth Shan and Richard Dreyer of New York); and a host of nieces and nephews.

His goodness, humor and faith will forever be a beacon to those who knew him. 

Services will be on Saturday, January 5th at 11 AM at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 300 Pine St, Seaford, where friends may call from 10 to 11.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Blades United Methodist Church, 306 S. Market Street, Blades, DE. 19973. 

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