Johnny Ray Hardison

Johnny Ray Hardison, 62, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, took his final trip on August 1, 2023. Born on November 1, 1960, in Dugway, Utah, Johnny was the oldest son of the late Ray Hardison and Bea Hardison.

John attended Hillview and Ammon Elementary Schools, graduating from Bonneville High School in 1979.

In December 1990, John married Kristina Southard in Idaho Falls. They moved to Montana to build their lives. On June 14, 1991, their beautiful daughter Daneile joined them in the adventure. Dani stole his heart from the first time he set his eyes on her. They moved back to Idaho Falls for a while before John and Kris later divorced. Kris and Dani moved back to Montana. John was always proud of Dani's accomplishments and that she had grown into such a beautiful and wonderful daughter. It was John's wish to get back to Montana someday and that wish will now be fulfilled.

In his early years, Johnny tried his hand at various jobs, collecting paychecks and awesome buddies along the way. But it wasn't until he hit the road, driving a big rig with finesse, that his passion sparked in full gear. From Edwards Bros. Trucking to May Trucking and Giltner Trucking, Johnny embraced the nomadic life. Time as an owner-operator satisfied his thirst for freedom until fate aligned him with Doug Andrus Trucking in October 2007. Swapping highways for traipsing strokes in the seat, Johnny bid farewell to the open road. Nevertheless, his memories stretched far and wide, weaving maps with stories that spanned countless states and even ventured into Canada.

Outside of his career, Johnny enjoyed playing steel tip darts and pool in local leagues during his younger years. He also relished the chance to go camping and fishing whenever he could find the time.

Johnny is survived by his beloved daughter, Daneile (Vince) Anderson; his mother, Bea Hardison; and his siblings, Jim (Gale) Hardison, Jerry (Jeanie) Hardison, and Jennifer (Mike) Starnes, his nieces, Sheena (Josh) Messick, Kelsi (Cody) Gibbons, and Kylie  (Andrew) Mortenson, and nephews, Jayce Starnes and Dustin Starnes. Johnny was also great uncle to MaKenna, Emersyn, Braxtyn, Gavin, Grayson, Logan, and Briggs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Hardison, and his grandparents, Floyd and Effie Hardison and Jan and Betsy Van Staveren.

To honor and celebrate Johnny's extraordinary journey, a gathering of friends and loved ones will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Hardy's Pub & Grill, located at 2626 N. Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Be sure to buckle up for good company and share tales that put smiles in the fast lane.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter, a cause that was dear to Johnny's heart.

Johnny will forever be the driving force behind cherished memories, laughter that echoed through the miles, and the spirit of adventure. May his voyage to the unknown be filled with endless journeys and a truckload of joy. Keep on truckin', Johnny.