Robert Joseph "Joe" Ard, age 71, of Jasper, FL. passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 8, 2019.
The Defuniak Springs, FL. native was born on April 25, 1948 to the late Luther and Mary Lou Cain Ard. The family moved to Hamilton County, FL. when Joe was seven and Jasper was where he would remain the rest of his days entertaining the hordes of friends he made along the way. One might guess Joe was employed by the Hamilton County Road Department because he had to make a living to help support the family but anyone who really knew Joe, given the CB handle "Twenty", worked so he could hunt and fish with his buddies come the weekend. In later years he christened his grandchildren into the art of the sport. He even convinced his granddaughter Megan that she loved hunting but in truth it was mostly just spending time with Joe riding around in his old truck that she loved. Most days Joe had a grill on the back of his truck or the front of his boat so he could whip up a meal for whoever happened to be around. When he wasn't hunting or fishing, Joe enjoyed having friends over and building a fire in the backyard, entertaining with old stories and he had plenty.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Martha McCall Ard; his daughter and son-in-law, Robbi and Keith Snipes; his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Dawn Daniels; his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Milton Haddock; his two half-brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Margaret Smith and C.L. and Rhonda Smith; four grandchildren, Wil Snipes, Megan Snipes McBeth (Waylon), Zach Daniels (Hannah) and Dawson Daniels; four great grandchildren, Lucy and Brooks Daniels and Brayden and Noah McBeth.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Evergreen Cemetery with Zach Daniels officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jasper First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box  329, Jasper, FL. 32052