B.W. (Bill) Hardy

B.W. “Bill” Hardy was fun-loving and caring man who treated each day as if it were the best day of his life. He lent his sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives.

The year was 1941 and Bob Hope performed his first USO show for troops stationed at March Field in California. On November 26, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a bill making the fourth Thursday in November the official “Thanksgiving Day.” But perhaps the most famous date in 1941, was December 7, the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. In Sylacauga, Alabama, far from the shores of Pearl Harbor, B.J and Jewel (Baker) Hardy were anxiously awaiting the birth of their second child. B.W. “Bill” was born on April 9, 1941, and welcomed into the family by one brother.

Bill spent his growing up years in Sylacauga, where he received his formal education until the 9th grade. He then moved to Bath, Michigan to live with his father. While attending Bath High School, Bill played football but most importantly, met fellow student, Linda Cable. Although he was two years ahead of her, they were quite taken with each other and became inseparable. After dating for a year, Bill’s father made the untimely decision to move back to Alabama. Not wanting to move, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17. His military career was spent in Guam where he worked with the radar systems. A very bright young man, Bill invested time in getting his GED during his four years of service.

Although the service took Bill miles from home, Linda, his high school sweetheart, stayed on his mind the entire time he was gone. He was very faithful in his correspondence to Linda, and was constantly writing to her in order to stay in contact. Linda cherished those letters and has them still today. Upon being discharged, Bill returned to Bath, Michigan, only to find that Linda was married. As fate would have it, after 26 years, from their life passing, they found their way back to each other. This magically happened when Bill was in Florida in search of work and he contacted Linda’s parents to get her phone number. Linda was working at Lifesavers in Holland, Michigan at the time and when she received his call at work, it seemed that everything had come full circle. After a lot of catching up, Linda flew to Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday to see Bill after all those years. Linda returned to Fennville and Bill followed shortly thereafter and on December 26, 1984, the happy couple joined their hearts forever at the Allegan County Courthouse. For the next 20 years, they enjoyed, cherished and celebrated every moment of their life together.

Besides being a dedicated husband, Bill worked for the Southern Railroad in Alabama for fourteen years driving trains. In Holland, he tried his hand at sales in a variety of stores including Vogelzang Hardware Store, Sears, Michigan Gas and Cozy Warm Fireplace at Great Lakes. Due to the onset of his illness, Bill went on disability and never retired. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and recently became a member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Bill was very well liked due to his easy-going nature. He was quite the character, always cracking jokes but had a sensitive soft side to him. He was a huge Alabama football fan, enjoyed playing and watching golf and listening to country music. An avid reader, he was a big Stephen King enthusiast and read all his books. He made it a point to stay on top of military action around the world and was a good talker when it came to politics. A big southern boy at heart, Bill loved cornbread, turnip greens, grits and black-eyed peas. One of his childhood favorites was buttermilk and cornbread in a glass with a hunk of onion. It wasn’t his good southern cooking that Linda was attracted to; it was his deep southern draw that stirred her heart.

B.W. (Bill) Hardy of Fennville died on Friday, May 28, 2004, at his home after a long illness. Surviving is his wife of 20 years, Linda Hardy; his children: Cindy Krupka of Fennville, MI, Becky Ortiz of Saugatuck, MI, Lori and Larry Babinski of Fennville, MI, Brenda and Steve Gort of Fennville, MI, Michelle and Douglas Brizel of Lucedale, MS, Sherri and James Smith of Lucedale, MS, Terry Lynn and Wesley Weinger of AL, and Danny Stone of Mobile, AL; 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; sisters: Jacki and Lee Peake of Selma, AL, Sandra and Dennis Haught, Jonesboro, GA, and Ken and Mary Edwards of Selma, AL; in-laws: Kate Hardy of Fort Pierce, FL, Larry and Elaine Cable of Lansing, MI, and Allan and Elaine Cable of Bath, MI; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Peter's Catholic Church, with Father Ron Turcich O.S.A. officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck. Please visit B.W. (Bill's) personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Holland.

Bill’s example of friendliness, dedication and loyalty is special to his family and friends. Although he will be missed, he leaves them with treasured memories and assurances of his love for them.