He is a self-described “small town boy” from Mayfield, Kentucky who came to Lipscomb and played tennis for three coaches in three years. He left campus with lifetime friends and a future that led to a law degree, a successful practice, and two businesses. Greg Hardeman’s smiling face is a familiar sight around Lipscomb Athletics, and he spent a few minutes this week with LipscombSports.com. 

What years did you compete for Lipscomb?

I played tennis from 1972-1974, and I was coached by Bob Hooper, Charlie Pearman, and Duane Slaughter.

What teammates are most memorable to you?

I had so many good teammates that I don’t know if I can pick just a few. I had the good fortune of having most of my teammates remain in Nashville after we played together, and we have remained friends over the years. Gary Jerkins, Frank Bennett, Roger Loyd, and Bruce Church are the first to come to my mind, but I have good memories of many good teammates from our years together.

What degree did you earn?

I graduated from Lipscomb in 1974 with a B.A., and I earned a law degree from Vanderbilt in 1977.

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

Several people from our church in Mayfield, Kentucky had attended Lipscomb, and they encouraged me to look at it. I was impressed with the good atmosphere – spiritually and academically – and it turned out to be a great fit for me and one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

In a very close match my first year, we beat Belmont by winning the deciding doubles match in 3 sets. I think it was the first match I played in, and it is a fun memory to this day.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

‘Fessor (Eugene) Boyce had tremendous impact on me and on most of the people around Lipscomb at that time. I appreciate to this day his generous kindness, and I will always appreciate his spirit of encouragement. We need more ‘Fessor Boyces in the world.

What are your non-athletic memories from your time in school?

This is pretty vivid – I took my very first airplane trip to attend a debate tournament in the Pittsburgh area.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

This is easy: learning to serve others. I saw the servant lifestyle modeled in so many of my professors that it was natural to adopt it and pass it on to others.

Who were your favorite professors at Lipscomb?

I quickly think of two Speech and Bible professors who had a major influence on my life – Carroll Ellis and Marlin Connelly. They were both gifted instructors who were blessed with the ability to make learning interesting and fun. They were also both very good “family men” who impacted many male students on the Lipscomb campus.

What do you do now?

I’m an attorney in Nashville at Hardeman & Montgomery, and my partner (Kevin Montgomery) and I also own Premier Escrow, LLC, a title company. I’ve practiced real estate law and estate/probate law most of my career.

Tell us about your family.

I’m married to Linda (Henderson) Hardeman, and I enjoy tremendously four stepchildren and seven grandchildren – with the eighth presently on the way. All of our children went to Lipscomb, and our daughter-in-law, Chasidy Burton, is head of the English Department at Lipscomb Academy.

FAST FINISH

• Favorite food: Ice Cream
• Favorite sports teams: Tennessee Titans (football) and University of Kentucky (basketball)
• Favorite season: Fall
• Early morning or late night person: Early morning e