Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bill Hargrove Obituary
But he kept at it, armed with a mental image of them. He was still bowling last week, just before he was hospitalized and died Monday of congestive heart failure - four days shy of turning 107.
Hargrove died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, a spokeswoman said Thursday. He lived nearby in Clermont.
He earned national attention in May 2007, after turning 106, when the United States Bowling Congress dubbed him "the oldest league bowler ever."
Hargrove began bowling in 1924. For decades, he played a version known as duckpin bowling. As duckpins faded, Hargrove took up the more popular form of bowling, played with a larger ball. He said it helped him cope with the 1973 death of his wife, Johnnie Ruth Carter Hargrove, and gave him something to look forward to after he retired.
"I love it," Hargrove said when the league honored his longevity. "It puts you on trial as far as your ability. And your ability comes and goes. I'm fighting it all the time."
"Bowling kept him fit, and I'm sure having something like that, something that you really love, keeps you going," said Sandra Hargrove Carnet, 59, Hargrove's only child. "But he never became retired from the world. He stayed out there, interacted with people and the world. He just really enjoyed being part of the community, and that's what ultimately contributed to his longevity."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
27 Entries
gerry mckinney
April 27, 2010
I too bowl out here in California, and a friend gave me the article from the newspaper when he thru a ball when he turned 106 so he could be forever recognized as being the oldest bowler. I only hope I can keep up!! Happy Trails Gerry
C. k.
December 29, 2008
My family and I miss you very much Mr. Hargrove. SO does the whole Grace United Methodist church.
Alison and Emily Nonnemaker
May 22, 2008
We will miss you Billy!!! XOXO
Janet & Charles Lewis
May 22, 2008
Our prayers are with you, we've enjoyed knowing Bill this past winter league. He had a ready smile for everyone! God Bless!
How you can show support
Ben Spreitzer
May 20, 2008
I joined the Bill Hargrove bowling league this past year just so I could bowl with the oldest bowler in the world. He was the most likeable person I ever met. He always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor. What a wonderful man!
Rachel Rosen Lehmann Bill's 104 yr old friend
May 19, 2008
Bill with friend Don
May 19, 2008
bob doherty
May 12, 2008
I never knew Bill Hargrove, but I also lost a friend this week who was 103 yrs. young. These are special people who touch many lives and will be sorely missed. Bill and Maree will be in my daily thoughts and prayers. May they rest in Peace in the arms of the Lord.
Mervin and Barbara MILLS
May 11, 2008
With our sympathy and prayers.
Billy and The Kids winners of the 2007 team championship
Donald Vice
May 10, 2008
Bill was my "best friend." And while I met him only when he was already 101 he was something very special,
as everyone who knew him can say!
Oh, he knew everything about bowling, and the Atlanta Braves,
and his Church, and his Lord and
if you would spend time with him,
he would find out about you too.
He liked people. He would read the obits and when he saw one of an elderly person he would write to the family and give his condolences. We
have lost his earthly walk but never
the beautiful memories of a beautiful southern gentleman. At his funeral today his daughter, Sandra Carnet,
shared with everyone wonderful insites about Mr. Bill. We even sang
Happy Birthday to him, yesterday would have been his 107th celebration. I can hear him now
saying, I hope they don't expect me to blow out all those candles by myself. Certainly I think we can say he was one of the most photographed men in the world. Boy, are we going to miss this
dynomite bowler and friend.
Jo Ann and Bob Allen
May 10, 2008
We were pleased to have known Bill through one of our close friends, Kitty Lennox, who passed away a few years ago. Kitty had a couple of birthday parties for him that we were invited to and we had such a great time listening to Bill and his many stories. The last time we saw him was at the BBL Bowling Tournament, a charity event for veterans. He was a fine and honorable man who will be sorely missed by all. Our sincere condolences to all of his family. May God Bless.
Daniels Family
May 10, 2008
To the Hargrove family,
May you find comfort in your loving memories of your dear loved one who lived a full life. May you too find solace in "the Father of tender mercies" and "the God of all comfort".
(2 Cor 1:3,4)
Andrea,Bruce,Olivia,Nyle Rado
May 9, 2008
Pappy was one of a kind! He touched the life of every person he met - and that's alot of folks in almost 107 years. We will hold you, your smile and fabulous attitude in our hearts forever!
Judy Phillips
May 9, 2008
Mr. Bill was a wonderful man. I knew him from Grace Methodist Church. He always had a smile for everyone and was always so glad to see you. He will truly be missed.
Rest in Peace "Mr. Bill".
Debra Pauli
May 9, 2008
My thoughts are with you. Mr. Bill was a wonderful person.
Joseph NICKOLS
May 9, 2008
I started bowling when I was 5 and I am 46 Istill bowl even though I have had open heart surgary in 2001 I had 4 bypasses . It keeps me going. I hope to someday to me Bill & bowl with him in heaven.
Joseph Nickols
Nancy Cromwell
May 9, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a courageous man and well loved. He reminded me alot like my great-grandmother who passed away at 102. Just wanted to share a thought of comfort with you found at Psalms 27:10,"In case my own father and mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up." I know it is a very hard time for you right now but please keep in mind you are never alone. Jehovah God is always there to listen, to comfort you during your time of grief. Once more I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
JOE & BARBARA BOYD
May 8, 2008
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
Edward Perinoni
May 8, 2008
I started bowling at 21 , my uncle taught me. I'm now 63. When we meet up I would like to be on your team. Rest in Peace
Rebecca Hager
May 8, 2008
Bill will be missed by many and lots by our family he bowled with our church league several years ago with the Peachtree Christian Church.
We loved him very so much.Iam sure he is showing everyone how to play.
Love in Christ always,
Rebecca Hager
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
May 8, 2008
REST IN PEACE BILL HARGROVE
Barbara Cook
May 8, 2008
My love and prayers. A wonderful man.
Dina Fields
May 8, 2008
To here that someone at his age still loved the game of bowling is AWESOME! I just hope he is now in heaven knocking over his own pins and maybe a few for the rest of us!
Pamela Rogers
May 8, 2008
God bless you and your family! Now when the thunder comes there is another angel in heaven bowling!!!
Fellow bowler
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Bill Hargrove's name
People and places connected with Bill
Recent Obituaries
How to support Bill's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bill Hargrove's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored