A Life of Legacy, Love, and Service

Today we honor the life, legacy, and vision of a remarkable man, William "Bill" Hardin known by many as Mr. Bill, Daddy, Papa, Granddaddy, brother, friend, businessman, farmer, and servant to his community.

Mr. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bertha "Rosalee" Hardin; his parents, Leatha Mae Hardin and Birdeye "H" Hardin; and his sisters, Jeannie Locklear and Betty Prather. While our hearts mourn here on earth, we rejoice knowing he is now reunited with those he loved so dearly.

Mr. Bill was a man who believed in hard work, faith, family, and taking care of people. Long before many saw the vision, he saw it. He started working at a young age at ABC Sanders, carrying within him a dream and determination to one day become a business owner. What began as a young man with a strong work ethic and a vision for something greater would eventually grow into businesses that touched countless lives throughout the community.

Through determination, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, he became the proud owner of Hardin's Septic Tank, Hardin's Mobile Home, Hardin's Grocery, Heritage Funeral Home, and Hardin Farms. His story is a true example of what can happen when faith, hard work, and perseverance come together.

Mr. Bill loved farming. He loved his cows. He loved working. And through that work, he taught his children and grandchildren the value of commitment, responsibility, and perseverance. His hands helped build not only businesses, but generations. The work ethic he carried every day became a part of the family he leaves behind.

His greatest joy was his beloved wife, his family, his farm, and the life he built with his own hands.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Amy Hardin Jones (Christopher), Billy Ray Hardin (Dawn), Nelson Hardin (Kathy), Sandra Hardin Hunt (Harlon), and Craig Hardin, all of Red Springs, North Carolina.

He also leaves behind his bonus son, Anthony Wayne Oxendine, who held a special place in his heart.

He also leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Joshua Seth (Candace) Jones, Shane (Joyce) Jones, William Alexander Hardin (Brittany), Brittany Hardin, Meagan Hardin, Ariel (Jeremy) Locklear, Brad Hardin, Catelyn Hardin, and Shania Hardin.

His love and influence continued through his fourteen great grandchildren: Shane Jr. (CJ), Joshua (AJ), Malexea, Brayson, Julianna, Layton, Kali, Stefhen, Kennedi, Cadence, Shana, Chaelyn James, Bradley Ray, and William Alexander.

Mr. Bill was also blessed with the love and support of his best friend, caregiver, and only brother, Harry Truman Hardin. The bond between Mr. Bill and Uncle Harry was the kind of unwavering brotherly love you read about in books. Uncle Harry remained faithfully by his brother's side through sickness, difficult moments, and uncertainty, bringing comfort and strength in ways words could never fully express. Uncle Harry was not only his brother, but one of God's greatest blessings in his life.

He also leaves behind a special nephew, Jonathan Prather, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends who loved him deeply.

He also loved his secretary, Mrs. Yadira, and her daughter, Na'Na, so dearly. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Illene Revels for the love and care she showed as his caregiver.

The family would also like to give special thanks to Sandra "Pooh", who made sure Daddy never missed his dialysis appointments, and to Shane (Bo) and Alex (Al), for always answering his calls when he needed them.

Mr. Bill shared a deep love and commitment with his beloved wife, Bertha "Rosalee" Hardin. For 55 years they built a life together centered around family, faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through life's joys and challenges, they continued to stand beside one another while building the foundation of the family they loved so dearly.

To know Mr. Bill was to know strength, wisdom, resilience, and love. Though his earthly work is complete, the foundation he laid will continue to stand strong for generations to come.

And so today, we do not simply say goodbye.

We say thank you.

Thank you for the sacrifices. Thank you for the lessons. Thank you for the love. Thank you for the legacy.

And until we meet again, we will carry your lessons, your strength, your work ethic, and your love with us every single day.

Mr. Bill Hardin, your work here is finished, but your impact will live on forever.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3