Brandon Hardway

CHAMPAIGN - Brandon L. Hardway, 45, of Champaign passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday (Feb. 17, 2024) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Brandon was born to Jim and Rebecca (McComas) Hardway on Sept. 28, 1978, in Urbana. He married Erin Hardway on Nov. 11, 2023, in Champaign.

He is survived by his loving wife, Erin Hardway; stepson, Jalen Duncan; father, Jim (Julie) Hardway; sister, Kari (Danny Price) Beesley; two nephews, Reece Beesley and Beau Beesley; as well as a host of loving family members, stepfamily members and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Becky Hardway.

Brandon was the beloved general manager of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom in Champaign, where he never met a stranger and always took care of everyone. He brought a sense of love and kindness to every interaction he had and never failed to bring smiles to the faces of each person he met.

An avid sports enthusiast, Brandon had a passion for baseball. He proudly supported the New York Yankees during baseball season and cheered on the Detroit Lions during football season. He approached his favorite teams with unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm, sharing his love for the game with friends and family.

Both Brandon and Erin considered themselves incredibly fortunate to have found one another. Despite being married only three short yet incredibly beautiful months, their love was evident to all who knew them, radiating a profound connection and affection. Brandon's greatest joy was expressing his love for Erin each day and cherishing every moment they shared together. Brandon and Erin shared two dogs, Pickles and Porkchop, and two cats, Muffin and Oatmeal, to whom Brandon was an attentive pet dad.

If you have pictures, videos and memories of Brandon you'd like to share, please email them to LoveLikeBrandon@gmail.com. His wife, Erin, will treasure these precious memories shared by those whose lives were touched by Brandon over the years.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24. A celebration of life for all those who knew and loved Brandon will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at The Venue CU in Champaign. To honor Brandon, all expressions of sympathy, including flowers, cards and memorial contributions, are welcome. Donations can be made to his wife, Erin Hardway, in honor of Brandon's memory.