Michael Joseph Hardee

Michael Joseph Hardee, 42, of the greater Atlanta, Georgia area, and formerly of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 24, 2025, of natural causes. Michael was born on December 4, 1982, in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Joseph Leroy Hardee and the late Debra Schronce Kitler. A proud graduate of A. Philip Randolph Career Academy High School (2001) and of Florida State College at Jacksonville's Electrical Apprenticeship Program (2004), Michael built himself an exciting career as an electrical project manager, electrical estimator, and electrical engineering consultant, amassing over 27 years of electrical experience spread across several states and industry sectors including Railroad, Healthcare, Hospitality, Casino, Industrial, Manufacturing, Commercial, Multi-Family, Schools, and Department of Defense. A natural family man and dotting father, Michael leaves behind his beloved wife of 7 years, Crystal Hardee, and his two cherished stepchildren Apollo Vega and Genesis Vega, to whom he was a loving father and friend. Michael is survived by his beloved identical twin brother, Matthew Hardee to whom he loved immensely and shared an unbreakable bond; and his beloved nephew Blake Hardee, to whom he treasured like his own son. Michael's memory will also live on in the hearts of his close-knit extended family, including his loving step-father, Rick Kitler, and step-grandfather Vernon "Pa'pa" Kitler, who both encouraged Michael's desire to enter into the electrical trade and inspired his love for hunting. Michael is also survived by his beloved younger half-sister, Ericka Kay, and her lovely children, Carson Kay, Coltin Wright, and Ellie Wright; as well as Michael's beloved stepsister Britni Richardson, and her lovely child Paislee Goethe. A lifelong outdoorsman, fisher, and hunter, Michael cherished every moment he spent in the great outdoors. Known for his skill as a marksman, Michael loved nothing more than spending time perched in a tree stand waiting patiently for the perfect moment to take aim. Whether bow-hunting or using a rifle, Michael took pride in his ability to harvest deer and hogs. Michael's passion for hunting was only surpassed by his immense love for his family, his dedication to his career, and his commitment to living life to the fullest. Michael was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, stepfather, and friend who will be missed dearly by all who knew him. In remembrance and celebration of Michael's life, please enjoy this collage of photos highlighting some of Michael's best memories, viewable by the following link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FLYPCXDL4T72YGLQ In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Hardee family's GoFundMe account which will be posted by the family on LinkedIn and Facebook. Your condolences and words of support may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, and/or directly to the Hardee family at: Celebrate.Mike.Hardee@gmail.com.

Michael Joseph Hardee

December 4, 1982 - January 24, 2025