Shannon, 43, passed away on May 5, 2022. He was born December 17, 1978 to Michael R. Hardy and Millie B. Hardy of Madison, MS. Shannon (named after the Shannon river that flows through Ireland) is the youngest of three sons. A typical boy, he grew up loving his family, Boy Scouts, fighting with his brothers and roaming the countryside of Madison county. He was baptized as a small boy and later rededicated himself to God as an adult. He was a member of Lake Harbour Church of Christ in Ridgeland, MS. Following his high school graduation from Madison Central High School, he attended Holmes Jr. College in Ridgeland, MS. However, it wasn’t long before he decided to give up academics in order to become more of a “hands-on” kind of guy, in pursuit of a trade. Thereupon, he was hired by a local residential electrical company as an apprentice and received a journeyman’s license. Shannon was also a passionate dog lover. As such, he worked with CARA (a no kill animal shelter) in Jackson, MS. He was particularly fond of American Staffordshire Terriers (Pit-bulls) and helped place them into foster homes. In addition, he rescued Pit-bulls from the streets and brought them home. Shannon was known as the “Hardy House Dog Whisperer.” He rehabilitated those dogs in poor health and taught them with verbal and hand commands. His mom has laughed and told guests “we have more dogs in the house than people.” We have been blessed to care for Zee Zee, Woody, Otis, Blue and Buddy - our four-legged angels! Many years ago Shannon became aware that he needed help with a drug addiction that he had developed. Accordingly, he voluntarily put himself into treatment at the Baptist Hospital’s behavioral health center in Jackson, MS and successfully completed the program. Thereafter, he was hired by the Salvation Army to work in their Center of Hope. He was grateful and humbled to be working with addicts and alcoholics - giving back to those kindred souls. Shannon wrestled with his addiction for many years, with times of surrender bringing him into long stretches of sobriety. It was during these times that Shannon discovered a God-given gift - artistic creativity. Using glass, china and textiles, he was able to fashion new designs by reusing old materials. Accordingly, he worked with various thrift stores, flea markets and sold his creations to lucky buyers. The header shown above this obituary “Carpe Diem” was created by Shannon from repurposed woods, metals and objects. He gave it to his mom one Mother’s Day. It hangs on the Hardy house front porch as a reminder for each of us to ‘Seize The Day’ that the Lord has given. Shannon was an avid reader with favorite subjects of early ancient biblical history, Roman history, early American history and UFOs. Many times he would sit with family members and engage in stories that revealed both his intellectual curiosity and his compassion for his fellow man. Shannon knew his Heavenly Father and God knew Shannon’s humble heart. Our family is richly blessed with God’s peace, grace and hope. Shannon is home and free of all “thorns in his side.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Memorial Service Information: May 26, 2022, 11:00AM Lake Harbour Church of Christ 338 Lake Harbour Dr. Ridgeland, MS 39157 Minister: Dustin Abbott In lieu of flowers please send donations to: CARA No Kill Animal Shelter 960 N Flag Chapel Rd. Jackson, MS 39209 or donate online at carams.org