Hardy Lee Turrentine passed away at the age of 83 in San Diego, California, on December 25, 2025. He was born on May 2, 1942, to Hardy and Ophelia Turrentine in Wright City, Oklahoma.
Hardy touched many lives throughout his life journey, especially the Sunday School children, through his wisdom and spirit of perseverance, dedication, and commitment. He was an avid reader, driven by a desire for knowledge. After graduating from high school, he prepared for the professional career to which the Lord had called him. Hardy earned a BA degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and pursued further studies at the University of Colorado, the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University.
Hardy proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing a tour of duty in
Germany. Following his military service, he joined the Hayward Unified School District in 1967, where he taught for 30 years. During his tenure, he was a Master Teacher of Mathematics and a mentor to student teachers. In 1996, he was honored as Hayward Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year.
Hardy later relocated to San Diego, where he continued his teaching career with the San Diego City Schools. He retired in 1999, after 32 years as a public-school educator. Upon moving to San Diego, Hardy became a faithful member of Phillips Temple CME Church, where he worshipped for more than twenty years.
At Phillips Temple, Hardy served faithfully in several ministries. He was a Sunday School teacher and an active member of the Men’s Choir, Sanctuary Choir, and Men’s Fellowship. Hardy gave God his best service, serving the Lord with gladness until declining health no longer permitted him to continue his commitments.
As Hardy once said, “Becoming an educator has helped me to be a philanthropist. I feel I am giving to mankind a part of the riches I possess.” “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Surviving family members include sisters; Nora Henderson of Lansing, Michigan, and Ora Sharpe of Marshall and San Diego, California, nephews; Norris Webster of Atlanta, Texas, Mark Sharpe of San Diego, California, and Matthew Sharpe of Azanaeh, Lansing, Michigan, and a host of loving relatives and friends.