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1944 - 2010

BORN

1944

DIED

2010

About

University of Oklahoma

William Hardwick Obituary

Hardwick
William Hill Hardwick Hardwick, William Hill - Born October 20, 1944 in Odessa, Texas went home to his Lord's house on December 16, 2010 at the age of 66. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald C. and Virginia Hill Hardwick of Odessa, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Dixie T. Dixon-Hardwick, wonderful daughters, Christin L. Hardwick of San Antonio, Texas, Kelly Hardwick Aaron and his favorite son-in-law, Lonnie Aaron, his beloved grandchildren, Luke William Aaron and Isabel Aaron all of Austin, Texas. Bill is also survived by sisters, Gerry Ann Mobley of Waco, Texas and Susan L. Hardwick of Houston, Texas and also by niece and nephew Kate and Ben Sanchez of San Antonio, Texas. Bill always considered Kate and Ben as his other grandchildren. Bill graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute in 1963 and played on their only undefeated football team. Bill then graduated from Oklahoma University in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and always cheered for the Sooners. Even before graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corp. and served in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969 as a Forward Air Observer and attained the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for saving the lives of several wounded Marines. Bill was the author of an autobiographical book entitled "Down South - One Marine's Tour of Viet Nam", Random House Publishing. This book was very well sold and helped many a Marine of that era find closure and peace including himself. He enjoyed attending reunions of Mike Company 3/7 and the First Marine Division and always felt a real brotherhood with his fellow Marines. Bill was also a very active member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church and loved his church family. Bill was one of the initial organizers of the Houston Farm and Ranch Club annual Christmas Food Drive that went on for over 20 years and benefitted several Houston area charities. Bill was a wonderful loved husband, loving father, doting grandfather and uncle, and a beautiful man inside and out. Bill will always be our hero. He will be held in our hearts until we meet again. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Carl Sharpe, Barry Goodman, John Carrara, Jeck Dixon, Joel Paulk, Ernesto Sanchez, Bill Snapp, Lonnie Aaron, and Gregory Moore. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, December 20th with a memorial service starting at 7:00pm at St. Stephens UMC. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Stephens UMC or to an animal charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hardwick

15 Entries

John Wear

January 13, 2011

My God bless and keep Bill in the palm of His hand for eternity.

Unfortunately I never was personally aquainted with William Hardwick. Reading over some of the entries of this Memorial Guest Book made me realize that my "brother" Bill had several connections that were not apparent in life.

I am a 1965 graduate of the high school of New Mexcio Military Institue. Unbeknown to me, I was a New Cadet at NeeMee in 1963, when Bill graduated.

I am also a Vietnam Marine veteran. I was a tank commander in 1968 - 1969, so our tours of duty were at the same time...only (again unfortunately) I never was honored to work with the 7th Marines.

Bill was (is) a brother in more ways than one. They say that as long as a Marine is remembered, he is not dead & gone and that he will always be with us.

Semper Fidelis,

John Wear, Sgt - USMC, RVN '68 - '69

Lynda Ragsdale

December 30, 2010

I met Bill when we were both working on a patio home development in San Antonio in 1976. He was project manager and I was interior designer. Occasionally we infuriated each other, but at the completion of the project, we had not only NOT killed each other, we had started the foundation of a fast friendship.

During that time, he spoke little of his Viet Nam service. Maybe he was still processing it or wasn't ready for its impact to surface. It was only later, after I read his draft of "Down South," that I realized how deeply and extensively his experience affected him.

What I know from our friendship is there wasn't anyone you could count on more. He offered his kindness and generosity accompanied by his big, engaging (and dare I say it), snaggle-toothed smile.

My heart goes out to Dixie and the extended family. They have lost...but at least embraced for a while...a true treasure of a human being.

Don Moore

December 25, 2010

I did not know Bill Hardwick personally, as he came to Mike Company 3/7 days after I was shifted to Lima Company by the battalion commander. But I felt like I knew him when I was sent a copy of his book Down South by Dan Guenther. It is a very honest book, a frank and forthright account that rings true with every word. I regret that I never got to know Bill personally, but I feel I "know" him in some very real sense from what he wrote. He is therefore, and will always be, a brother, and I am saddened to learn of his passing.

Brian Gage

December 24, 2010

My prayers are with Bills Family. I know that a large void exist right now, but GOD will heal that.
I served with Bill. I was squad radio 3-3. I did not know we served together untill I read Bills book, Down South. As I read I couldn't at first understand why the battles seemed so different to my recall. Finaly I realized it was because Bill was up and running around getting us Arty and Fixed wing to finish the fight and save lives, Marine lives. Bill had complete disreguard for his own safty, but total concern for his MIKE Marines. I discovered an e-mail address and wrote to Bill. What! a nice Man! We communicated for a time and slowly slipped away.
Semper Fidelis, "Always Faithfull" and that was what this Marine was!
Brian 3-3

Dan Guenther

December 24, 2010

Bill, you were an outstanding Marine officer and you have left a legacy for all veterans with your fine memoir "Down South". Dixie, along with Bob Lorish, Les Levy, and Pat Dumas, I got to know Bill in Marine OCS and later at The Basic School. It was really great seeing Bill again at the Mike Company Reunion in Nashville in July, 2005. I know I speak for all those of Mike Company, 3/7, when I say Bill was a Marine's Marine. He will be long remembered. Semper Fi, Bill. Dan Guenther, fellow OCS and Basic School classmate

Frank Cronican

December 22, 2010

Dixie - my prayers go out to you and your family - Bill and I were new cadets and friends at NMMI and although we lost touch until the reunion we talked on the phone several times since then and had hoped to get together this spring. If there is anything I can do for you from here let me know. God Bless You

Nian Liu

December 20, 2010

Bill was one of the strongest and kindest persons I've ever know in my life. He was so generously helping people around him, in family, church, work place and where ever he could. He will always be in our hearts. My sincere condolences to his family.

Lola Beaty

December 20, 2010

Dix, I wish I could find the picture of Bubba and Bill in their "Hammer Pants". Now they are together. I wonder if they have an extra pair for God. Bill will be missed so much down here, but when we go home to see those we love - it will be "sweet".

Jeanne Peters

December 20, 2010

Bill will be missed so much at St. Stephens United Methodist Church. I will remember his warm handshakes and beautiful smile. He made everyone feel welcome to the church and to his Sunday school class. God be with his family and friends at this time. Heaven has new servant to our Lord.

Bob Manning

December 20, 2010

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Bill was a classmate and fellow NMMI Colt football and track teammate for the undefeated, independent state champs for football and for the NM state champs in track and field. I was looking forward to seeing Bill at our 50 year class reunion at NMMI in the fall of 2011. He was a good cadet, classmate and teammate. He will be missed but not forgotten by all those who knew him.

Rick Beverlin

December 20, 2010

One of the finest men I've ever know - and a true friend. Always thinking of others, eager to help everyone. Bill's daily life was a testimony to his kind spirit and big heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dixie, his children and grandchildren, and his extended family.

Brent Riddle

December 20, 2010

Bill was a tremendous colleague and a heck of a racquetball player. I feel honored to have known him. He touched so many lives. My sincere condolences to Dixie, his family, and those who loved and knew him best.

Lynn Spencer

December 19, 2010

Bill will always be on our minds and in our hearts, he was a very special person and friend and will be greatly missed by the TGC family. Deepest Sympathy - Lynn Spencer

John Wheeleer

December 19, 2010

A fine Marine and a good man, whom it wasmy pleasure to know.My deepest sympathygoes out.

Semper Fidelis,

John Wheeler, bourbonnais,Il

Lorrie Koster

December 19, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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