Joseph L. Hardegree Jr. graduated from Dreher High School in 1953. He attended the University of South Carolina and was a graduate of Atlantic Christian College, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, and was a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as United Campus Christian Fellowship minister at the University of Denver and Stanford University. He was a founding member of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center in San Mateo, California. He was an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco and received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in1985. He was director of the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center in San Mateo, California, and executive director of the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Eleanor Hatsell Hardegree; sons, Dr. Stuart Hardegree and David Hardegree; daughter, Donna Hardegree Upsonand son- in- law, Ralph Upson; sister, Sarah Hardegree Rabon; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Martin Hardegree, and brother, Scott Hardegree. Joe dedicated his life to helping others. He always enjoyed keeping in touch with his many friends from Columbia. Services are private.

Condolences may be sent to Eleanor Hardegree, 1490 Miramar, #206, San Mateo, CA 94404 or Donna Hardegree Upson @ Donna83338@hotmail.com.