William Keith Hardy

NORCROSS, GA | With his family at his side, William Keith Hardy ("Bill") passed away on October 31, 2016 and went home to be with our Lord. Bill was the first-born son of Charlie William Thomas Hardy and Agnes Elizabeth White on December 5, 1930. He had a younger brother, Ronald Gilbert, who has been patiently awaiting Bill's blessed arrival. Bill grew up on a farm in south Greene County, N.C., learning the value of hard work at a very young age. After graduating high school in Kinston, N.C., he spent two years at NC State University, after which he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 to bravely serve his country. He later married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Lucille Carpenter, in August, 1954 with whom he is now reunited in God's glorious kingdom. After training young Air Force cadets how to fly jet aircraft, Bill returned to NC State and earned his Master's Degree in Engineering. He later joined the Coca Cola Company in 1968 and used his talents in the development of Coke's plastic bottle line. A dedicated husband and father, Bill never had to "make time" for his family. All of his time was family time – with much of it eating hot dogs while watching little league games. Retired in 1994, Bill and Phyllis explored the United States by motor home, continuing to strengthen their model marriage. Bill also gave selflessly to Eagle Ranch, an organization that helps children and families in crisis find hope and renewal. Bill is survived by his three sons, Greg and wife Sandy, Mark and fiancée Patti, and Scott and wife Frany. Bill loved his grandchildren, Steven, Laura and husband Ross, Nicholas, Alex, and Kristen. His love of God, family, friends and his country exemplifies the life he lived. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held Sunday, November 13 at 2 p.m. at the University Yacht Club on Lake Lanier. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to the MS Society, 950 E. Paces Ferry Rd NE, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30326 www.nationalmssociety.org or Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA, 30502 www.eagleranch.org. Bill Head Funeral Homes, Duluth Chapel, 770-476-2535. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com