John J. Hard

John Jacob Hard, age 80 of Maryville, TN died at 4:05 pm Friday, January 31, 2025 at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN. John was born August 14, 1944 in St. Louis, MO, a son of Samuel Albert and Catherine Bellovich Hard Arzig. He was a 1962 graduate of Ritenor High School In St. Louis, MO. He also proudly served in the United States Army 1963 -1966. He met Beverly Jordan in Knoxville, TN. John and Beverly married in June 1966 and made their home in Maryville, TN where he resided until his death. He worked as a clerk for The United States Postal Service and retired after 40 years of service. During retirement he loved nothing more than being fully involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives and activities. In 2013 John decided he had been “fully” retired long enough and returned to work for WalMart where he could be found back in the TLE department. His TLE team always took such good care of him. He continued his part time employment right up until December 2024. After a battle with covid in November 2020 where he was very much on the verge of death, he said he saw the hands of God reach out to him and say that it wasn’t his time yet. After this spiritual experience he was a changed man and regularly attended church. He was a faithful member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church. He always looked forward to and loved listening to Pastor Anthony's Sunday sermons.

John was preceded in death by his father, his mother, brothers Samuel E. Hard of St. Louis, MO and Albert W. Hard of Mt. Olive, IL.

Survivors include his wife of 58 1/2 years Beverly Jordan Hard of Maryville, daughter Michele Krishnamoorthy and husband Kris of Knoxville, son Nicholas J. Hard and fiancé, Jenni Arnold of Maryville; five grandchildren, Kodie Hard, Karson Hard, Kaylor Hard, Kolby Krishnamoorthy, and Kase Krishnamoorthy; brother, Bill Hard of Mt. Olive, IL, and sisters, Margaret Grosenheider and husband Bill of Mt. Olive, IL, Beverly Korunka and husband Dick of Fieldon, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 12:00pm - 1:30pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service in Maryville, TN. Memorial Services to follow at 1:30pm. Pastor Anthony Metler will officiate. Graveside services with burial following chapel services at 2:30pm at Clarks Grove Cemetery 3217 Williams Mill Rd, Maryville, TN.