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Michael “Mickey” Ray Hardison, age 74, of Odessa, Texas, passed away at his residence on August 15, 2021.
Mickey was born in Abilene, TX, on February 25, 1947. He is a graduate of Odessa High School, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He took great pride in serving as president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for four years, and he dedicated more than 35 years working for E.L. Farmer Trucking Co. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Patti Jane Hardison and J.C. “Bill” Ferguson.
He is survived by his sister, Judith Ann Burnett and her husband Jimmie; niece, Lisa Ann Hill and her husband Stephen; nephew, David Alan Montgomery and his wife Michelle; five great nieces and nephews—Claire, Emily and Jackson Hill, as well as Cameron and Caleb Montgomery; and cousins, Sandra and Jay Hagins, Jane and Tom Pettit, and Shawn and Jim Batjer.
Funeral arrangements are being held by Sunset Memorial Gardens. A graveside service will be on August 19, 2021, at 11:00 am for both family and close friends, with the Reverend Jane Pettit, his first cousin, officiating the ceremony.
Memorials may be given to Home Hospice.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Thursday
August 19, 2021
11:00 AM
Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX 79762
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Forrest Allen Ward
Mickey and I were in Crockett Junior High School and the Odessa High School Bands together. We both were in the cornet sections. He was persistent, tenacious, and had the unflagging desire to contribute as best he could in our bands. Mickey was a great friend and enjoyed laughter, conversation, and wanting to know how to contribute to us. Mickey and I went on a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado with the owner of E. L. Farmer in the owner's Cadillac. When we got there, the owner had trucking business to do, so he told the foreman to take Mickey and me to see the top of Pike's Peak. So, we went to the top of the peak ... in the owner's Cadillac. The road up there and down was spectacular. The foreman never imagined that the owner intended for us to park at the base of the peak and take the tram ride to the top. When we got back to the trucking yard, the owner saw his beautiful Cadillac covered with mud, rain, some snow, and probably imagined the foreman ruined the suspension and the brakes. But, hey, we had quite an adventure, anyway. It was my first time going up Pike's Peak. Not bad for a couple of high school kids. Mickey shared so many instances with me. He introduced me to his loving mom and his wonderful sister, Judi. All 3 of them were very kind to me when I would visit their home. We were blessed to have Mickey and his friendship toward us all. The last time I saw him was at one of the OHS Reunions and had a very nice conversation once again. Thank you, Mickey!
Paul W. Judkins
With great sadness, I learned today that Mickey passed away this past Sunday. Mickey was a great friend and we shared many happy times together. I can still see him riding up to my house on his shiny new blue Silver Pigeon motor scooter. We would head out and just about ride the wheels off the thing (of course, no helmet or protective gear of any kind). We weren't exactly Hell's Angels, I mean how bad-ass can you be on a Silver Pigeon! Sort of a "Born to be Mild!" thing. However, we always had a fantastic time and I guess we were lucky because we always got back in one piece. He was a delight to have at our house and my Mom adored him.
We were in the Crockett Jr High and Odessa High School bands together. Mickey was a heck of a good coronet player and solid member of one the best marching bands to ever set foot on a football field. I always admired his tenacity. He did not let his disabilities slow him down and to overcome them he had to work twice as hard as the rest of us. He was a Hell of guy and one that I am proud to have been able to call a friend.
Rest well old buddy. Your great sense of humor and iron-willed determination was an inspriation to everyone that was lucky enough to call you a friend.