Paint Branch and Montgomery County lost a legend on Saturday, September 2nd when Mr. Walter Hardy passed away unexpectedly. Hardy, a 1985 PB graduate and longtime teacher and boys’ basketball coach at PB, took over as Athletic Director at Sherwood High School in July after two years in the same position at Kennedy High School. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Olivia, and son, Chase

When I arrived at Paint Branch fifteen years ago, Walter Hardy was one of the first people I met. Walt was the embodiment of the old adage “what you see is what you get.” While he didn’t bear hug me right away or slap me on the back, it was clear from the look on his face – devilish some might say –  and the way that he shook my hand that those actions were not far behind. Walt was a guy who truly embraced the moment. Whether that moment was on the court, in the hallway, or doing what he loved most, having fun, Walt embraced it; Walt sucked the marrow from it; Walt lived it.

Paint Branch lost a true ambassador when Walt left to fulfill his goal of becoming an Athletic Director in 2015, and now the world has lost a great man, a passionate supporter of his people, a loving husband and father, and a true friend. Rest in Peace, Walt – we will miss you terribly.