of Paris, AR
October 25, 1926 - August 2, 2022
Carlton A. "Muscles" Hardgrave, 95, a resident of Paris, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022 in Fort Smith.
He was born October 25, 1926 in Bennington, Oklahoma to the late Charlie and Virgie Lee (Campbell) Hardgrave. Carlton was a 1945 graduate of Paris High School where he was part of the state champion football team. Carlton was a veteran of World War II, serving in both the United States Army and Navy, after graduating high school. He was a paratrooper with the United States Army before transferring to the United States Navy. After his military service, Carlton spent his working years as an OS&D Clerk with PMT Trucking for 30 years in California. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Paris. While serving in the Armed Forces, Carlton began a love for boxing, which would last throughout his lifetime. He was the Guam champion in boxing while in the Navy, then later won several titles in Arkansas. As Carlton's time as a boxer closed, he turned to coaching young men the sport through the Paris Boys and Girls Club, where he continued coaching into his 90's. Along with boxing, he was also an avid Paris Eagles and Arkansas Razorbacks fan and enjoyed keeping his home and property in pristine condition.
In addition to his parents, Carlton was preceded in death by two sons, Michael John and Lance Addison Hardgrave; a brother, Robert "Bobby" Addison Hardgrave and two sisters, Gladys Irene Reames and Elsie Gleason.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Robin Hardgrave of Paris; a daughter, Cindy Eggink of California; a grandson, Jason Blanscet of Colorado; three great grandchildren, Michael, Hailey and Tyler Blanscet; four great great grandchildren, Alexander, Annalise, Austin and Zoe Blanscet; two sisters, Charlene Johnson of Paris and Othella Johnson of Paris and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2022 at Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Paris with Rev. Harlin Brewton officiating. Burial with military honors, provided by the United States Navy, will follow in Corley Cemetery near Paris.
Pallbearers will be Nicholas Hixson, Dalton Nehus, Wyatt Nehus, Robert Paul Reames, Jason Stewart, Tim Stewart, Dennis Ray Johnson and James Reames. Carlton's former boxing students will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Paris Boys and Girls Club. Donations can be taken to the First National Bank of Paris.
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16 Condolence(s)
James VanLandingham
Monday, August 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Trusty
James and Cheryl VanLandingham
Patsy Rice
Friday, August 5, 2022
Carl was a teacher to many, and a role model for lots. He was a great man. He will be missed. Prayers for Robin and his sisters.
Nick Hixson
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Uncle carl was always smiling, always happy. We would often time’s share our passion for boxing and discuss who was on top and who might win the next fight. Earth is a little darker without em , and heaven is a bit brighter with em. Im very sorry aunt robin and i love you both .
Lea Schmalz
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Carl made a difference in this world, in so many young mens lives. He never said much, at least to me, but he always had a smile. And he was a joy to work with at the Boys and Girls Club. My heart goes out to all his family. May God hold your hearts and bring you peace and reassurance.
Charlene Johnson
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Well Carl this is your sister and I wanted to share a memory…. I remember how proud our family was of your high school football accomplishments…. So much so that our momma would scrub your football uniform on the scrub board until it shined… then when it didn’t shine anymore she dyed it…. And you would proudly walk down that road to school the next and start anew…. You were a mighty man in my eyes.
Brenda Brown
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Deepest condolences for the family. So sorry for your loss.
Brenda Brown
Bill & Connie Harrison
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Robin and family, we are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. We have so many wonderful memories when David was boxing under Rufus and Carlton. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time
Ruthie & Bill Burkett
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Robin & family, what a wonderful tribute for an outstanding man, who loved his family as well as the youth of our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the coming days.
Debbie Hixson
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
uncle Carl you will be missed so much… But so many of our loved ones were there to welcome you home…. I have a life time of wonderful memories of you and the spark of life you always brought with you when you entered a room.. and your kindness was endless… I’ll never forget the time you carved that pumpkin for Nick when he was a boy…. So sweet.
Robin… you were the wind beneath his wings…. God be with you.. luv ya.
James and Barbara Moore
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Our sympathy and love to the family. He was a treasure to his community and everyone that knew him. He will be missed, but fondly remembered.
Debra O’Quinn
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
James and I are so sorry to hear of Carlton’s passing. I remember the time and care he put into caring for those around him especially his mother. Praying for the family.
Justin williams
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Sam and Lisa Hill
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
We are saddened by the loss of Carlton. He was such a great man. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayer are with the family during this difficult time.
Alice Wewers
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Robin, I am very sorry for the loss of Carlton! He loved you dearly and it showed!!He was a great person for this community!! He did love spreading his love of boxing in others!! Prayers sweet lady!!
Jordanne Berry Garlin
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
So sorry to hear about this sweet man.
The last time I saw him, I got to give him a good squeeze.
I will always cherish that hug.
Hasta Labucci Baby!
Debbie Eckles