AMERICUS  — Zackie Plez Hardin, 73, of Americus, died Jan. 2, 2018, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. A native of Arabi, he was born March 2, 1944, to the late Zackie Lewis Hardin and Emmie Johnson Hardin. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Americus and active in the community. After retiring from farming, he worked in real estate. He was a lifetime member of the Country Music Association and owned and operated the Nidrah Opry Barn in Leslie for many years.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, in the chapel at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m., an hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Delores Manry Hardin of Americus; three sons and two daughters-in-law: Plez and Robin Hardin of Americus, Geoffrey and Stacey Hardin of Baltimore, Md., and Blake Hardin of Athens; a sister, Lynn Thompson of Havana, Fla.; and a brother-in-law, Delmas Turner of Arabi. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Sarah Beth Hardin, Caroline Hardin, William Hardin, Mary Rachel Hardin, Carson Clements, Bo Hardin, Cate Hardin, Will Hardin, and Libby Hardin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Hunter Clayton Hardin, and a sister, LuAnne Turner.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Americus, 221 S. Lee St., Americus, Ga 31709 or to the charity of your choice.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.