Hardy Herman Huntley's Obituary
Sometimes you are lucky enough to know someone who is larger than life. Legendary Wagon Wheel Flea Market owner, Hardy H. Huntley, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2013, surrounded by his children. From humble beginnings, Hardy was born in North Carolina, raised by his preacher father and mother, with his five sisters. Hardy's entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age. As a youth, he sold candy to his friends, ran several produce stands, and broke in wild horses. When Hardy moved to Florida, he opened a successful car hop restaurant where he met his wife, Janet. He also owned a mowing - tractor business and a car lot. After having purchased land on Park Boulevard, Hardy began selling used items on the roadside and was soon joined by others. He began renting spaces for a small fee and it grew to become one of the largest flea markets in the United States, the now famous Wagon Wheel Flea Market. He continued with the Gunn Highway Flea Market, Mustang Flea Market, Pinellas County Fair, Florida Fall Festival, Chili Cook-offs, and several restaurants. Hardy was involved in politics and hosted fundraisers for former Florida governor Jeb Bush and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. He was also honored countless times for his leadership and many contributions to his community. Finally, there was nothing Hardy loved more than the "thrill of the deal" which led to his ventures into real estate. If you knew Hardy, you knew the zest he had for life. As a young adult he did stock car racing. For a while, he was the only person in Pinellas County to own buffalo. Once, for the opening of the Pinellas County Fair Hardy dressed up as Elvis and bungee jumped! He loved working, driving his tractor, dancing and his family. Hardy is preceded in death by his wife, Janet. He is survived by his children Deborah Huntley, Dawn Huntley Mattox and husband Christopher, David Huntley and wife Cindy, Misty Lynch, Jacob Huntley, and grandchildren Isaac, Lauren, Noah, and Jaxon, and sisters Esterleen Suddarth and Virginia Whitner.
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