of Little Rock, AR
July 16, 1972 - September 13, 2019
J. Hardin Bale, III won his battle over cancer as he stepped into Eternity! His earthly journey complete, how glorious his reunion with his Savior, family & long-lost friends must have been!!! From his earthly birthday July 16, 1972 to his eternal birthday September 13, 2019, Hardin was a renaissance man who you would want to have with you on a desert island!
Those waiting to join him in his immediate family are: the love of his life and reason to live-his son, John Hardin Bale IV, Kristy Lawson Bale, Sharon & Johnny Bale, Brooke, Evans & Hunter Bale. Also, Beverly Scarborough Bale, April & Matthew Bale-Brock & Sawyer, Nicole & Thomas Bale, Iva & Richard Lawson, Tammy, Ty, Bryce, Ryan, Tricia and Kyle Ebsen and Penny, Allen & Chris Thomason.
His friends described him best: ''The fact that he has fought thru 9 years of horrific pain in cancer, just to have one more day with John Hardin, has been my example, in the truest sense, of the love a dad should have for his son. There are no words I can use to express what our sadness will be for the physical loss of Hardin in our lives. My heart hurts at the thought of not having him here on this earth because he brought the best out of others whether in his Catholic High days, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello to directing car dealerships in Clarksville or Little Rock or the many hunting and fishing adventures, roping's (I think he finished 8th in nation) or riding in his airboat across the river.
Saying that he is my hero is the absolute truth. I love that he delights in his son. His courageous nine-year battle against the dreaded ''C'' word alone makes him a hero by anyone's standard. I love that he wants to spend time with John Hardin and that he has shared his passion for the outdoors, of fishing, hunting, and animals. I love that twinkle in his eye and that mischievous smile that appears when he is kidding and joking with you. I love watching his face when he listens to someone talking because I think he is ''reading between the lines'' and is a great judge of character. I love that he has always been true to himself, ''His own person'', not what he thought would please other people. I love that he is and always has been fiercely loyal to his friends. I love that he was like the Good Samaritan, always going out of his way when friends, and strangers alike, needed help. I once saw a tv show where a character said, ''You should not fear death. It is just another phase of life. You get to live in a new place at a different address.'' I hope my address will be very close to Hardin's & we will be Eternal neighbors!''
Gratitude & Appreciation to Dr. Brad Baltz, Dr. Graves Hearnsberger, Dr. Daniel Brown, Pulmonary Assc. especially Dr. Gail McCracken, Dr. Robin DeVan, the nurses, respiratory therapists, support staff and house-keeping staff of Chi St. Vincent's CCU & ICU.
A reunion of family & friends will be Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Wildwood Park, 20919 Denny Road, 4p.m. Dress code, according to Hardin, ''No suits and ties allowed! Blue jeans, boots and baseball caps acceptable!''
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution in Hardin's name, please consider: Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, 1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or giving@archildrens.org, Catholic High School Foundation, 6300 Fr. Tribou Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 or the Charity of your choice!
The world is a better place because of Hardin. I am grateful he is now at peace and free from pain. I know he has assumed his new role with grace and dignity...that of J. Hardin Bale IV's guardian angel...
Sharon, you and your family are in my prayers.
Peace.
Terry
Sharon and Johnny:
He made everyone he met smile! I remember the last time he got a tuxedo from me he said, "I just hate wearing these pants!"
LOL......but he did, because he said, "mom says I have to!" LOL
We both laughed because we both knew the truth in that!
My sincere sympathy for your great loss and my prayers always at your back. All my love.
Gregg Frizzell
I am so sorry for your loss. I just saw this I remember him being little when I worked at Bale. Prayers for the family and friends. Breaks my heart.
Thinking of you and remembering Hardin’s fun spirit and smile
Johnny and Sharon; Sylvia and I know your hearts are broken. We pray for you and family in this time of sorrow. We know your family has gone through nine years of struggle and pain. Johnny, this brought back to mind all the years when we started together. You in the truck dept and me as district manager shortly before you took over as GM. Your dad and uncle were always gentlemen to the highest and you followed their leadership.
I have always liked this passage in Isaiah - "They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will run and not get weary and walk and not faint". Be strong.
With love and friendship always, Gordon and Sylvia Shaw
Please accept our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences at this time of your lost. Know that y'all are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Harden was a very good friend and I will miss him very much. Thought and prayers are with the family.
Johnny and SHARON, your commitment to Hardin every day of his life was truly amazing to me! Driving him around all night when he was an infant to being so close to him these last nine years. I cannot imagine your deep sense of loss and sadnesses
right now! I am thankful for your wonderful memories of Hardin! I am thankful for your faith in the One who formed his inward parts, and then quickly through away the mold! I loved the Obituary! So sorry that I could not be with you all at Wildwood Park! All my love to you both! JMAY
You are one of a kind. Miss ya! RIP. Xoxo
Our thoughts are with you and your family
Words can't describe how sorry we are for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences for the Bale family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, the entire Bale family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Osborne
mail carrier
Chenal Station
So sorry for your loss. Know that you family will be in our prayers.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy and Donna Reef
To all of the Bales,
My very deepest sympathy for the loss of Hardin from this life. I remember Hardin from when I worked for Dr. Jim Phelan and Hardin had braces. He was a delight! We visited every month and he was such a fun-loving, interesting kid then. Of all the patients I remember over the years I worked there, Hardin stood out and I am sure he will be missed by many. So very sad for the ones left here; but oh what a celebration there will be one day!
Pat McCarver
Johnny and Sharon our hearts break for you. Hardin was a very special man. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. What a special reunion him and Bill must be having.
Johnny, Sharon, Hunter,
So sorry for your loss.
I too remember that "mischievous twinkle" just before he stuck the needle in !
God bless him and you all.
Big
I'm forever grateful for you and your amazing family, God has sent you free with no limitations now, Godspeed Mt friend
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Bale family. We are so very sorry for your loss but we know he is now healed and awaits the rest of his family to one day join him. Not too much longer, Christ’s return is just around the bend. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Johnny, Sharon, Hunter, and family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are heavy for you as you face the loss in your lives of this sweet son, brother, father. Hardin was a wonderful man. May God bless you with comfort and peace as only he can do....may he use the family and friends which surround you to care for you and lift you up. Coy and Luanne Bradford
Our heart goes out to the Bale family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
My heart goes out to the entire Bale family during this challenging time. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I send my sincere sympathies and deepest condolences to the family and friends. May God guide you, protect you, bless you and give you strength in the coming days.
Our deepest sympathy. May your memories of Hardin and the love of family and friends surround you and bring you peace and strength in the coming days.
So many memories I cherish: Taking Lil Richard on your late night boat rides and saying he'll be home when i bring him home, always taking Daniels diapers off and showing him how to use the restroom on the shady side of trees:) You hold a special place in my boys hears. They love ya Mr Hardin. You won JHB III... Love ya... God Bless the Bales... A true example of Faith, Love and Grace..... R
Johnny, Sharon and Family,
Learned today of your loss and am deeply saddened, such a wonderful young man. My heartfelt prayers are with each of you.
Forrest
So sorry to hear about the death of John .I took care of his boy in ACH .......sorry for your loss .He put up a good fight .Bless him and all of you .Gersldine
Deepest Sympathy
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sad time.
May John Rest In Peace.
Just heart broken for your family and extended family! Know we love you and are praying for peace! â¤ï¸ Greg, Chris & BB!
I’m so sorry to hear about Hardin. My prayers are with you Johnny & the Bale family. ðŸ™
Dear Bale Family~
We are so heartbroken for your loss but thankful for Hardin’s gain of eternal life. We have been praying for your family and will continue to lift you all up to the Lord for comfort.
In Him~
The Kindsfaters
Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Bale and Hunter, you have my condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting John when I worked as a receptionist. Please accept these words of comfort from my family to yours. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
So sorry for your loss . Prayers for you and your family.
To Johnny and Sharon we are sorry for your loss. Your son was very brave. Your family showed great love and compassion. Peace to you both and all of your family.
Hardin was my first older friend that I got to bother while our parents hung out. I miss the times Hardin, Hunter, and I would agitate Honey while she kept us safe at the lake house. Hardin was the definition of a "good man" and I, like so many, look to him as an example of how to love fearlessly and fiercely.
Johnny and Sharon I am so sorry for your loss and I know you are heart broken. I pray the Lord will sustain and comfort you in your time of grief. God bless all of you, I know it’s been a long hard battle, yet he won the battle for he will have wellness, peace and joy for all eternity with his Lord and savior.
Condolences to Johnny, Sharon, Hunter and all the Bale family in this difficult time. Hardin will always be with you. Remember the good times. God Bless.
Sending our love & deepest condolences to Sharon & all the Bale family. We were deeply sadden to hear of Hardin’s passing, we loved him dearly & thought so much of him💙always had a smile & funny story to share. We love the picture of him & it truly shows he lived life with much vitality & fought his battle the same. May he Rest In Peace.
Prayers for the Bale family.
To get one friend in life like Hardin Bale is a gift from God. It's hitting the friendship lottery. I had the ultimate pleasure of getting to share an impossible dream with him and it came true right before our eyes. In fact, it went wildly beyond what we thought was possible. I'm not sure it ever would have happened without him and his fierce loyalty. I will always cherish every single memory and keep the dream alive in his and his family's honor.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. We are praying for your family at this difficult time.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. Hardin was such a Champ!
Greg & Lee Hatcher
Sincere condolences to the Bale Family. You are in my prayers.
I remember Hardin the few times that I talked to him when I worked at Bale, when I told him one time that I was struggling with my own illness, he was very concerned, and told me he would keep me in his prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss, he was a great man.
The families very strong faith will carry them through this hard time, my thoughts and prayers, are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God bless you all.
Bill Henderson
Sharon, Johnny, Hunter and family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Thinking of you in the days ahead.
Billie Lashbrook
Rest now my Friend. You are in a better place. I will never forget you and all the jokes you played on me!
Praying for the Bale Family!
To Johnny, Sharon and Hunter,
I am so sorry to hear about Hardin. You all were so kind to me. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time.
Johnny,Sharon & Family We are so sorry for y’all loss! We will be praying for peace and comfort! God Bless!♥ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
Johnny,Sharon & Family We are so sorry for y’all loss! We will be praying for peace and comfort! God Bless!♥ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
Loved to rope with Hardin. Prayers for his family. He was such a joy to be around.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. You know how much your entire family means to us. Please know you will be in our prayers. John & Carol Selig
Johnny,Sharon, Hunter
When I think of Hardin,I see us at the lake floating on styrofoam chairs . Smiling , talking , laughing. Good times!
I know in my heart Hardin is smiling, laughing, riding and roping in Heaven . I will miss him !My Love and Prayers are with you always ! Bob
We just want to send our love to you Johnny and Sharon for the long journey you traveled with Hardin as you supported his strong will to live for his sweet son John Hardin as long as his earthly body would allow - we know he is at peace now and we pray for all of you as you adjust to him being in his eternal heavenly home- our love
We are so saddened by your loss but know that Hardin is in a wonderful new place.
Mr. and Mrs. Bale,
We met you during a hospital stay of your son and our daughter.
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God wrap you in his arms.
What a fighter he was! Condolences from Buzz and Marla
Sharon, Johnny, Hunter and Family,
I am so saddened to read this news. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I pray you find smiles through your memories, strength through your family and peace through your faith,
Joetta Milhoan Duke
Our highest regards for Hardin and family. We met Hardin a couple of years ago at our nephew's house (Mark Noggle). Mark often spoke of Hardin and considered him his best friend. After meeting Hardin we know why Mark felt this way. He was an inspiration and a role model. Our condolences to the family.
Good friend for a long time, I’m sorry. Prayers for the hole bunch
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Bale family.
Rest In Peace, Hardin. Although I didn’t know you, my brother did and we’re all Catholic High alums. May God take you into His arms and accept you into His kingdom finally free of pain and suffering and may He continue to bless your wife and son and get them through this difficult time, along with the rest of your family. God bless the Bale family in this time of loss.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha
My deepest condolences to the entire Bale family.
Oh, Hardin, what a celebration you are now experiencing! You were one of kind! I am blessed to have known you. I so appreciate the talks, times of sharing, and laughs! My thoughts are with dear friends Sharon and Johnny. You have had a challenging journey. Peace be with you during this time. You rest some now, lean on God and His word. If I can do anything, please let me know. ❤️ Much love to you all!
Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers. Hardin sure kicked cancer all over the place. I am thankful I had an opportunity to know him.
Mona Sanford
Formerly of Jefferson, Arkansas
The Bale Family ,
We want you all to know that we are praying for comfort and peace, as well as rejoicing with you that he is now with his Lord & Savior . Love , Stephanie Throckmorton Duty & Howard Duty
Sharon
I will never forget the day you and Hardin came to look at the mobile home .
You have always been so sweet to me ! Hardin had the best mom in the world !love you !
We are close if we can do anything!! Thinking of you !
Love and prayers to Sharon and her family.
Love and prayers from Connie and Scott Scherz. So thankful for Hardin's life!
Hardin will truly be missed by everyone. He was such a true friend. I am honored to have known him and spent time with him.
I am so very sorry for your loss. All of your ACH family loves & admires your family so much for all you do to care for others. That love & respect only grew even stronger as we watched this remarkable man take such good care of his little son, even as he faced his own struggles. Grateful that he is finally free from pain & that he can continue to watch over all of you from heaven! Keeping your family in my prayers. Mary Scotter
Hardin and I met at UAM - he always made me laugh and truly enjoyed being outdoors. We might have skipped a class or two to do a little 4-Wheeling near the river.
Hardin was a great father and genuinely kind soul! I know you will miss him so very much. He was such a blessing to those of us who had the honor of meeting and spending time with him. I pray for your whole family!
I was saddened to read that Hardin had gained his wings. I had not seen him for a number of years, but remember what an easy person he was to talk to.::and
Very kind. Prayers for his son and all his family...I am
very sorry for your loss.
Grateful to have known Hardin for 46 years!
ðŸ™ðŸ»â™¥ï¸Blessings to his wonderful family! ♥ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
To the Bale Family:
God has called a true gentleman home. We loved knowing Hardin and his love of life and family. We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers . May God keep you and give you peace.
Mike and Janet Walters
So proud to have been able to spend time with Hardin in forestry school at UAM. He was indeed “His own person.†I’ll always remember that smile.
Life is simply a collection of memories, but memories are like star light... They live on Forever. - C.W. McCall.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you
Sharon, John & the Bale Family,
Ginny and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers.
My heart hurts for your whole family. He will be missed by many. Have faith you will see him again.
So sorry for your loss. Hardin was a great man
Prayers and thoughts go out to Mr Johnny and Ms Sharon and family.
Lifting you up in prayer at this very sad time. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Prayers for you the Bale family.
I’ve always loved Hardin. I agree about the twinkle in his eye. I know he’s in a better place looking down on us. I wish him God’s Peace.
Truly one of the great “good guys”. I will always have the times and memories we shared while I worked with him. To Johnny, Sharon and Hunter, my prayers and love go out to you.
Sharon, I am so sincerely sorry for your great loss. Hardin fought so valiantly - his courage, determination, and love of life have inspired so many during his nine year battle with this merciless foe. I pray that you find comfort and peace in the loving embrace of family, friends, and faith.
Sharon, Johnny and Hunter,
I cannot imagine your loss, and I know it’s been a long and difficult time. Please know my thoughts and love are with you. Robbie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult timeðŸ™ðŸ™
I know his dad real good and I am so sorry for the families loss. Soaring with the angels now.
Sharon and family, I am so sorry for your loss, but grateful for Hardin's life. He was a fighter and had the best support anyone could have in all of you. You'll be in my prayers as you miss him on this earth... Much love my friend.
Sharon and Johnny and family, we are so saddened to hear of Hardin’s death. He fought a long fight and you have the comfort of knowing he’s healed and in the arms of Jesus and that you will one day be reunited! We pray Gods peace and comfort for you during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers. ❤️🙏🏻
Very proud of you. Let’s go fishing and get a tattoo. Brad
I am so sorry for the loss, but know that he has beat the cancer and at peace.
I am so sorry for the loss, but know that he has beat the cancer and at peace.
I’m am so sorry for the loss of Hardin. My thoughts & prayers are with the family.
I am glad that I knew Hardin. He was the toughest guy that any of us who ran in the same crowds ever knew. His love for the outdoors and hunting was something we all admired growing up. He fought harder than I ever could have. The Bale family is such a great family and it breaks my heart what they have all gone through. Johny, Sharron, hunter and John Hardin are in a lot of thoughts and prayers. I hope you can find peace knowing he is in a better place.
I love this picture of Hardin. It is the Hardin I love and remember so well. My heart is truly broken for the loss of Hardin in our lives. He was always so very good to me as well as all of the Bale Family. I am blessed to have known and worked for him and his family . Thank you for making me part of your family. I love you all and grieve with you and for you.
My heart is broken with this news today- but I am so happy for Hardin that he is healed and pain free. These words are so very true. In the many hours at ACH with I spent with all of you and with Hardin for many weeks you all became very dear to me. I always called Hardin "Macgyver" because he was always coming up with some way to improve all the gadgets and cords of the NICU. I remember the day he called me to tell me that he was sick and I asked him what was wrong and his response was "Nothing a little chemo won't fix". He was so stubborn and determined which made him a great fighter. I am praying for all of you- Johnny and Sharon, Kristy and John Hardin and Hunter, Brooke and Evans.
Wendy, Drew, Sawyer, Asher and Ryder Bennett
My heart and prayers for the Bale family.
God was kind to us to share Hardin as long as he did.
Sharon, Johnny, Hunter and family. I think of all of you so often and the many great times we all spent at Prairie Wings with all the kids. I am so very sorry for your loss. Hardin's life has touched many others and his absence will be truly felt by many. My heartfelt sympathy to all of your family and to his precious little boy who will miss his Daddy so much. Marlene Freeman
Johnny, Sharon, Hunter and family- I am so very sorry for the loss of Hardin. I have so many memories playing in your yard and hunting at camp. Love to you all! Prayers for John Hardin and all of you. Hardin was special and his legacy will live on through you all. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life with you all!