“Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and I will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29
On October 04, 1948, in Houston, Texas a son, Cedrick Ward Hardman was born to the late Frank and Ossie Lee Hardman. He was the second child of four children born through this union.
Cedrick accepted Christ and enjoyed that relationship through worship at Providence Baptist Church in San Francisco. He then relocated to Laguna Beach where he was a longtime member at El Toro Baptist Church now known as Arbor Christian Fellowship.
Cedrick attended Garden City Elementary where he was promoted from 1st to 3rd grade. He graduated G.W. Carver in 1965. At 16 years of age, he began studies at the North Texas State University in Denton, TX on an academic scholarship. In 1966 he tried out for the football team playing positions Defensive Back and Running Back at 6’1” 165lbs. In 1968 he developed into a 6’4” 240lb. Defensive End and achieved great success in Blue Gray and Senior Bowl All-Star games which led to a 1st round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers. He played 10 years with the 49ers accomplishing 107 sacks and 2 Pro Bowl appearances. He then played 2 years on the Oakland Raiders where he became a Super Bowl XV Champion in 1980. He was the first player/coach signed to the Oakland Invaders USFL in 1983. In conjunction with Football he also enjoyed an acting career and played in movies “The Candidate” (1972) “Stir Crazy” (1980) and “House Party” (1990) along with television series The Fall Guy, Police Woman, and Criminal Minds, commercials and info-mercials. He also experienced joy and success as an assistant coach at Long Beach State and Head Football Coach at Laguna Beach High.
Cedrick was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Moreaux Hardman and his daughter Tyesha Hardman.
Cedrick leaves to cherish his memories-two brothers, Albert Craig and Frank Joel Jr. Son, Clayton (Suzanne) and daughter, Trenay (Jackie); Grandsons, Joshua (Tashima), Clayton Jr., Jackson, Joshua and Granddaughter, Meghan (Staffon). 6 Great Grandsons and 1 Great Granddaughter; nephews, Coron and Herman; niece, Marissa and many cousins, classmates, teammates and dear friends.
