Rev. Hardy Droddy

October 19, 1931 - July 1, 2018

Friends and Family Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Saturday, July 7th, 2018 at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. The Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 7th, 2018 at 7 pm. Interment will be

July 8, 2018. Processional begins at MCFH at 10 am to Griggs Cemetery: FM Road 1414, Newton - Stringtown, TX.

Hardy Droddy was born on October 19, 1931, in Singer, LA to Luna Johnson Droddy and Alva Droddy. Hardy was born a twin brother; “Pee Wee” Droddy who preceded him in death in 2013. Their nicknames came as a result of being the larger and smaller twin. Hardy was “Big Boy” and Harvie was “Pee Wee.” Hardy was preceded in death by his siblings: J.W. “Buddy” Droddy, Robert Earl Droddy, and his sister, Dorethia Droddy Flores. His wife, Dollie Griggs Droddy of 61 years preceded him in death on August 31, 2017, exactly 10 months to the day. He also was preceded in death by his son, Terry Craig Droddy, in 1987.

Bro. Droddy, as he was called by so many, began preaching at a young age of 18. He and his best friend, Rev. M.C. Green evangelized together starting around the ages 17 and 18 years of age. He then began a pastoral ministry in the following areas: Brady, Texas, Oakdale, LA, Cottonwood Community/Lillie, LA, Merryville, LA, Westfield, MA, LaCamp, LA, he also provided intermediate pastoral care at a few other various locations around Louisiana.

After retiring from ministry, he drove a shuttle van for soldiers on the army base at Fort Polk, LA. This was a job he loved as he was able to witness to soldiers on a daily basis. It was after this retirement, he stated, “Retirement was not all they said it was going to be” He was a workaholic and never liked to just sit. He had to be busy. He was either raking, mowing, painting, polishing, washing, or cleaning the inside and the outside of home and car.

Bro. Droddy became ill with Alzheimer/Lewy Body Dementia along with Parkinson’s disease approximately 5 years ago. He suffered with loss of memory, fluctuating mood swings, and extensive paranoia. Throughout this ordeal he never lost his faith in God. He prayed with fellow residents, spoke at meetings about his Lord and Saviour, and stood steadfast in his knowing Heaven was his goal.

He spent the last four years at Avalon Place in Kirbyville, Texas. Since he was always busy, they had to create jobs for him to do; you could find him sweeping, mopping, wiping and cleaning. After his wife’s death, he was moved to OakView Nursing Home in Summerville, Ga to be by his daughter. He remained there until his death.

He leaves behind his daughter and son in law, Rhonda and Jimmy VanWinkle, his son, Stephen Paul Droddy. His grandchildren: Rhonda’s children: Brigitte VanWinkle Holloway and husband Brad, Gretchen VanWinkle, Hayleigh VanWinkle, and his namesake, Harrison Droddy VanWinkle (Ari). Terry’s children: Scott Droddy and wife, Michelle, Andrea Droddy and husband Luke, Stephen’s children: Candice Droddy and Gabrielle Droddy.

His great grands: Ava Holloway and Grayson Holloway, Lincoln Droddy, London Droddy, Noah Popp, Lily and Wyatt Knab, William Droddy, Turner McQuiddy and Christian McQuiddy. Also, throughout his life he was very close to his nieces along with their spouses:  Melinda Babineaux, Cyndi Droddy, Becky Mortensen, Deby Dubose, and Cathy Droddy. He was well respected and loved by the Griggs family - from the in-laws to the children, many friends and church family.