Anthony Craig Hardee Obituary

Anthony Craig Hardee, 69, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Apex on May 13, 2026. Born on December 27, 1956, in Durham, North Carolina, Craig lived a life devoted to service, learning, ministry, and the people he loved.

Craig earned a bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy from Campbell University, followed by a Master of Divinity in Religious Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His ministry career took him to Florida, where he faithfully served as a youth and education minister. He later managed a Baptist bookstore before returning to North Carolina, where he pursued many entrepreneurial ventures, including freelance writing, selling choir robes, reselling collectibles, and website work.

Craig also faithfully served at Salem Baptist Church in many capacities throughout the years, including as a deacon, small group leader, puppetry leader, and volunteer in children's and youth ministries.

A man of many passions, Craig found joy in a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He loved animals and especially enjoyed raising rabbits with his children. Music was a lifelong passion, and he was an accomplished guitar player whose favorite saying was, "How many guitars is enough? Just one more.". He also shared his love of music by teaching guitar and dulcimer classes. Craig was an avid sports fan who faithfully followed numerous teams and took great pride in his sports card and memorabilia collections. Rarely without his Kindle in hand, he was also a devoted reader who loved learning and discovering new ideas through books.

Craig is survived by his wife, Deborah Hardee; his children, Anna Hardee Bradley, William Hardee & Madalyn Wells, and Ashley Hardee Moon & David Moon; his grandchildren, Abigail & Noah Roth, and Isaac Hardee Tatum; his great-grandchild, Barrett Roth; his mother, Billie Hardee; his sister and brother-in-law, Pam & Clark Craver; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ellie and Buck Bukowick. He was preceded in death by his father, Ezra "Phil" Hardee.

A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Salem Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina, on Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial and visitation with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Carolina Missions Offering (https://ncbaptist.org).