Thomas Grey Hardy

Thomas Grey Hardy went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025, at the age of 81. Tom was born in Bay City, Michigan on August 28, 1943, to Herschell and Myra Hardy.

Acts 16:31 “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Tom was known on many levels. He was a husband, father, teacher and a friend…but first and foremost, Tom was a believer. His desire in life was that everyone should receive Christ as Savior as he had.

Tom met the love of his life and wife Georgia Pauline Bortle (Garrett) when they worked together at Eisenhower High School in Saginaw, MI. They were married in 1980. Along with his wife, he was a devout member of First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, MI.

Tom attended Saginaw Valley State College/University receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was his passion to be both a teacher and a student. The more he learned, the more he wanted to impart to others. This fit into his career as he taught both high school and middle school for the Saginaw Township School district for 30 years, retiring in 2003. Tom continued to teach many years after retirement as an adult Sunday School teacher and as a volunteer teaching for his church’s substance abuse program. Tom was also a talented, classically trained, string double bass player who performed both for the Saginaw Symphony and the First Baptist Church orchestra.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Herschell Hardy and his mother Myra. Tom also had four brothers that were adults when Tom was born. They have all preceded him, their names were John (Jack), James, William and Richard. Also preceding are grandchildren Aaron Blackport and Lydia Blackport.

Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His memory lives on with his wife, Pauline Hardy, stepchildren Cheryl Blackport and her husband Brian Blackport, Richard Bortle Jr. and his wife Kelly Bortle, Pamela Cross and her husband James Cross. He also has 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that mourn his passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Bridgeport Baptist Academy-Student Endowment Fund, in his name, 2400 King Rd, Bridgeport, MI 48601.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, 2400 King Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor JD Howell will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. 

Arrangements were entrusted to W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com.