Fred Alfred Hardnett, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was born on August 21, 1943, in Dockery, Mississippi to Fred and Clara Hardnett. He was the eldest of 3 children and was affectionately known as Fate. Shortly after Fred was born, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio seeking greater economic opportunities during a period that became known as the Great Migration. The family were members of True Vine Baptist Church which strengthened their faith in God and provided a strong spiritual foundation. He accepted Christ during his formative years. Fred was a great baseball player and excelled at the sport during high school. He is a graduate of Glenville High School class of 1963.

On July 29, 1964, he enlisted in the Navy, serving this country honorably until his discharge on July 25, 1968, after fighting in the Vietnam War. Upon his return from service, he married Shirley Grace. This union bore 3 children Sheila, David, and Michael who he loved dearly. He was married a second time to Rose Marie and shared a special friendship with Laverne Cochran until her death several years ago.

During the 1970s, Fred attended the Cleveland Engineering Institute in Euclid, Ohio, as well as completed coursework at Cuyahoga Community College, earning an associate degree in architectural drafting. He was employed with TRW working in the steel mill where he produced electronics and aerospace and automotive parts. Following his mother’s retirement, he assumed the role of owner and operator of her business Midwest Dry Cleaners on East 131st Street until the 1990s. Thereafter, he continued his employment with Chief’s Auto Wash in South Euclid, Ohio, where he was a respected, dependable employee.

Fred was a private, independent person who did what he could as to not burden others. He especially enjoyed discussing politics surrounding civil rights, listening to the Blues, dancing, and watching baseball and movies. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team as well as the Joy Reid and Rachel Maddow Shows that aired nightly on MSNBC. He also was a collector, displaying hundreds of records and movies on VHS and DVD. When he was not engaged in these leisurely activities, you could find him landscaping his mother’s yard or completing a painting project. He took great pride in her well-kept yard and prohibited others from caring for it. He possessed an incredible work ethic and performed these duties until he suffered a disabling illness in 2022. During the last year and a half, Fred fought valiantly, with great determination and never complained. On the evening of Tuesday, July 25, 2023, he peacefully departed, entering eternal rest.

He is preceded in death by his father, Fred A. Hardnett, Sr., and son David Hardnett. He leaves to honor his memory his mother, Clara Hardnett, sister, Theresa Hardnett, brother, Robert Hardnett, daughter, Sheila Hardnett-Randle, son, Michael Hardnett, niece, Nicole Betts (Geoffrey), 2 nephews, Anthony Dudley and Brian Silver (Lakisha), 3 great nieces, Marissa, Salena, and Brianna, 2 great nephews, Geofferson and Jayden, extended family, and treasured friends.