ROBERT LEE "BOB" HARDWICK

1938 - 2017

ROBERT "BOB" LEE HARDWICK died Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House after a two-and-a-half-year fight with cancer. Bob was born on May 5, 1938, to Wilbur and Erma Hardwick of Charleston. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father and his brother, Billy Hardwick. Bob is survived by his wife, Cyndy; four sons, Robert, wife Sandra, granddaughters Bella and Gianna of Leesburg, VA; Derek (Dak), wife Mary Beth of Alexandria, Va.; Cory, wife Jennifer and grandsons Michael and Jack of Wilmington, N.C.; and Chad Harrison of Richmond, Va.; and his beloved sister, Madeline Hapney King of St. Albans, W.Va. He attended Stonewall Jackson High School, Morris Harvey College, Marshall University, The University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking and University of Oklahoma's School of Lending. Bob was a banker, beginning his career at the Bank of West Virginia in Charleston, W.Va., in 1958; and finished his career at First Sentry Bank where he was hired in 2001. First Sentry was his home, and he considered himself blessed by his association with the people there. Bob was affiliated with many civic organizations and charities too numerous to name, the Huntington YMCA being one of the most beloved of his affiliations where he served for over 20 years. He was the president from 2010-2012. Bob was appointed to the Governor's Task Force in the 1980s by Governor Arch Moore. He also served on the Public Port Authority and worked tirelessly trying to bring a regional airport to this area. Bob loved his family. His sons and grandchildren brought him great joy. His friends, co-workers and customers also meant the world to him. He was always ready with a helping hand. Bob was a man of many talents and interests. He loved golf, tennis, cars and photography. Bob's pictures of his beloved Huntington and West Virginia hang all over the community. He has often remarked, "I will be hanging around long after I am gone." He was blessed with the gift of capturing a room with his ready smile and his quick wit. Bob was a faithful member of Fifth Avenue Baptist in Huntington. His church held a special place in his heart. Visitation will be on Friday, June 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Smith Hall at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. There will be an additional opportunity for visitation on Saturday morning, June 17, at 10 a.m. The memorial service will begin 11 a.m. in the church's sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntington YMCA Foundation or Fifth Avenue Baptist Church's Memorial Fund specifying Missions. Honorary pallbearers are Francis D'Egidio, Joe Hoffer, Willard Hunter, Jack Jones, John Krieger, Bob Patton, Jim Rorrer, Geoff Sheils, Harold Vealy, Bob Vitello and Dick Wall. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall or ehallfuneralhome.com.