Thomas Rifton Hardison, 80, of Wallace, NC, passed from his earthly life on the early morning of Sunday, February 20, 2022, while at home.  Born on November 29, 1941, he is the son of the late Oscar and Margie Mae Maready Hardison.  Also preceding him in death are his wife—Shelby Horrell Hardison; and siblings—Dal Willard Hardison, Oscar Hardison Jr., and Ann Lanier.

Left to cherish his memory are children—Gary Hardison of Grand Rapids (MI), and Sheila H. Cavenaugh and husband Tim of Wallace; grandchildren—Austin Hardison of Houston (TX), James Karsten and wife Damariz of an San Antonio (TX), Thomas Karsten and girlfriend Rusanna Swem of Rose Hill, and Keith Karsten and wife Jade of Burgaw; honorary grandchild—Donna Marie Edwards of Goldsboro; step granddaughter—Audrey Barnhill and husband Jake of Maple Hill; great grandchildren—Levi Karsten, Liam Karsten, Leia Karsten, all of San Antonio (TX), John Karsten of Burgaw and Jaxon Karsten of Burgaw; step great grandchildren—Kinley, Kolten, and Kara; and caregiver and friend—Jeanetta Dixon of Kenansville.

Mr. Hardison began his career in the employment of the Wallace Enterprise where he learned printing as a trade.  He later opened his own business—Hardison Printing Company in Wallace.  His love of family was the most important thing on earth to him.

The Hardison family will greet friends at a visitation set for 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, in the 401 West Main Street chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services of Wallace.  A private interment will be held at a later time.