Wilber Hardee (August 15, 1918 – June 20, 2008) was an American businessman who founded the American fast-food restaurant chain Hardee's, located mostly in the Midwest and Southeast regions.

Hardee was born in Martin County, North Carolina, on August 15, 1918.

On September 3, 1960, he opened the first Hardee's location in Greenville, NC.

[2] Hardee died in his home town of Greenville, North Carolina, on June 20, 2008, and was cremated two days later.

[1][2] His cremains are inurned in Greenville at Pinewood Memorial Park in the Floral Garden 4 Section.