Willie "Bud" Hardeman's sudden departure left a void at St. Peter Claver Catholic church and school. He was dedicated to making things better at the church through service and also at the school which he had attended as a child. A great person from a great family.  Our sympathy, love and prayers, Helen Leslie and Family

Heartfelt sympathy goes to all of Bud's family.  He was always laughing, helpful,and would do anything anyone asked him to.  Had not seen him since I retired from TMO, but he was probably still the same.  I Know his family will really miss him.  Just hold onto all your good memories.

I worked with Bud for over 30 years at Robins Air Force Base Georgia.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to get the mission completed.  He always had a smile and called me Little Red.  His can do attitude helped me get through the long hours during mobility.  I will miss my friend always.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Willie Hardeman a born comedian & just a good guy.RIP

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a great and wise man! I learned a lot about Mr. Bud while doing 90 day Seasoning Training Program through the AFR. I helped with planning and decor for his Civilian Retirement from working with the 78th. I enjoyed every conversation I had with him and listening to every story he shared with me! Heaven gained a precious soul on Nov 30th! Sorry to the family and friends for your loss, my condolences! :(

To my cousin "brother" Bud! A great man who was there for all of us and loved by many. Gone too soon. You will always be in our hearts.  Rest in paradise with all of our loved ones.
Love cousin, Sonja

I worked with Bud when I was in the Air Force and stationed at Robins AFB. My memory of Bud is that every time he saw me he would say, "Don't hurt me Freda". When Bud walked into the room, he was always the center of attention and kept everyone laughing. But, when it came time to work, he really knew his job. If you did not know how to do something, all you had to do was ask Bud. Robins AFB will never be the same.

I am so sorry to hear of Bud's passing.  I worked with him in LRS and he always had a smile and a kind word. He will truly be missed.

Uncle, thinking of you brightens my cloudy day up here. You were one of the most positive brothers in Macon. A true leader and servant after G-D's own heart. I'm still stunned that you have departed us, but you are in Heaven and I know Dad; who you helped bury back in September, welcomed you with joy. We'll see each other again bro. Marilyn and Chelsea loved you and we were looking forward to seeing you in January. Bud I'll toast to you because you're a hero in our hearts. We'll carry the Hardeman Legacy. You have my word on this, when I launch my Internet company and go Stage Four, I will name a building after you.

To the Hardeman Family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I worked with Bud when I worked in Bldg 127 at Robins AFB. He was a joy to work with, always smiling and joking. I bet he has everyone laughing in Heaven right about now.

When you hear someone express a desire to leave behind a legacy, do you ever “question” the essential question at hand…What is a legacy? Many interpret it to mean the accumulation of vast wealth or perhaps name recognition, all of which are fleeting and can disappear like a puff of smoke. A true legacy is leaving behind gifts that will continue to thrive forever. Bud Hardeman left a legacy that Ft. Knox with its' fortified bunkers and vaults cannot contain, one that billionaires such as Bill Gates or Warren Buffett cannot afford, one that cannot be written and shelved among the volumes of the Library of Congress and certainly one that cannot be made, manufactured or marketed to the masses. Bud Hardeman left behind a legacy that is as rare as the Hope Diamond yet as simplistic as the love of God. 
There are five gems that I most remember about Bud: 
Faith-Bud came from a foundation of a strong belief in God and the power of prayer. He always remembered his roots in the faith that he received as a child and continued to live and walk in it throughout his life. 
Family-As a child whenever I heard the elders say that a person “came from good stock” I never quite knew what that meant. As an adult I clearly see what it means. Bud came from a good, loving strong family and it is only natural that he developed into the man he became because he was surrounded and immersed in nothing but goodness. The Hardeman family are pillars of the Pleasant Hill Community and especially here at St. Peter Claver Parish. Bud carried out the fine example of family that was taught to him by Mr. Bud and Mrs. Maxine.
Friends-Bud was the epitome of a friend. He was what young folks call “A Stand Up Dude”! He did not care what you had, or what you did. He was a very dignified man who knew what words such as loyalty, respect, compassion, goodness and charity meant! Bud was a true diplomat. He could walk, talk and break bread with kings, queens or just plain regular downhome folk. He never met a stranger and if you were a stranger you could immediately discard that title after he greeted you with one of his trademark hugs and smile!
Love-We all have a strong connection to Bud in our own way. It is almost like his love was tailor made for each one of us. Purely unconditional in the most monumental sense of the word. 
Humor-Remember that old commercial “When E.F. Hutton talks people listen”? When Bud talked, you listened. There was no greater storyteller, or humorist than Bud Hardeman. No one could hold a candle to Bud's sense of humor. Bud could have you gasping for air while he told one of his many stories. Bud was a great conversationalist who had a natural way of drawing people in and making them feel comfortable. He simply thrived in just being himself. Bud was being Bud, living life to the fullest and we all loved Bud for being Bud!
To the family we share your loss and your pain. The Hardeman chain is strong. This has not broken the link in the chain, it only rattled it. Keep the chain strong by remaining together, praying together and loving one another. Reflect on the words of Psalms 30:5 says “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning”.
This has been a very surreal week and as I was thinking about things I remembered a story that I once heard. A young man and his father are walking and talking about life. The child looks up and asks his Father, “Hey Dad if God is so good as you always say, why does he take the Good people away”? The Dad pondered for a moment and then replied, “Son if you were walking in a meadow full of flowers and you decided to take some home, which flowers do you pick? The worst ones or the best ones”? Today we are here to celebrate the replanting of Bud from an earthly patch to his new Heavenly meadow where he is living, loving, blooming and yes…smiling in God's garden. 

May you enjoy your new home in Heaven. Mission Accomplished buddy. Job well done!

CONNIE WHITEHEAD AND BEN WHITEHEAD, SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.

MAXINE & FAMILY, We're sorry to hear about BUD.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers.  Continue to keep the faith and hang in there.   Love, GREGOREE ANNE THOMAS-SIMMONS... JOHN (BUCKY) THOMAS...CONNIE THOMAS

Dear Family, I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bud.  This is Margie (Baby Sister) Easley Nelson. We lived next door to the Hardeman Family on Lincoln Avenue in Pleasant Hill. I will keep you in my prayers that the God Of Peace will comfort you as only He can.  I live in Euclid OH but there is no time and space in God and in prayer.  Be strong in The Lord and in the power of His might.

I was so sorry to hear f your loss. May God's love be with you.

Deepest sympathy.  Our prayers are with you.

I'm still in denial just haven't come to terms that you are gone!! Me and my boys will deeply miss you!! I will keep your Legacy going of keeping the family together..Love you forever and Always Rest in Paradise Bud!!!!

Dear Hardeman Family, we were so sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. He and my Mother Patricia (Miss Pat) were good friends at work at R.A.F.B. 
May God Bless You All,
The Beck Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  God will give you peace during this difficult time.

Your family,
Grace and Keith Crosby

To the Hardeman Family, sorry to hear of your loss. I served with "Bud" in the 94th APS Warner Robins. He was a great leader, good man, and true friend. He will surely be missed. I give my condolences and may God bless you all.

Cheryl and the Hardeman Family,
Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.

May God Bless The Hardeman Family from The Peter G. Appling Class of 1969, The Community Service Committee which Willie "Bud" Hardeman Jr. Faithfully Supported. He had a great sense of humor and he will be missed. Sheila Pitts and family.

TO BUD FAMILY, WE LOST A SOLIDER HERE, GOD WIIL MAKE AWAY.TIME WILL HEAIL OUR PAIN,SORROWS, FOR OUR FRIEND&LOVE ONE THAT SO MANY CARED FOR.HE WAS A GREAT PERSON,C.WORKER. & BIG BRO.TO ME.MY GOD BE  WITH HIS FAMIY AT THESE TIME T.BEAL

I was shocked to hear of Willie departure. We attended  Peter G. Appling as classmate also had fun while station in Charleston. My condolence s to the family. We gonnamiss ole Willie

To the Hardeman Family, I worked with Bud for a number of years in the LRS family. He was one of a kind. Always made you laugh, always spouting, "IAW AFI 10-403"....people who worked with him will know what I'm referring to. He always had a great attitude and stories, oh yes, there were always stories. Bud, we missed you when you retired and we miss you even more now.

You have my family's deepest sympathies. Bud was a mentor and a friend. I always enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.

To the Hardeman family. You have our most deepest heart felt sympathy. I m  so sorry to hear of the passing of Bud, he was  a great Guy with a happy smile and a great sense of humor.  He will surely be miss by all who knew and loved him. May God continue to comfort and bless the Hardeman family  From Earl Pitts and family classmate of 1969

To the Hardeman family I am sending my condolences.  I am going to miss Bud.  He was one of the finest gentleman you every wanted to meet.  May he rest in God's hand.

We pray that God will give you eyes to see beyond the clouds of earth into the glory of heaven and the peace that comes from knowing that the one you love is there in His arms.  R.I.P. Bud, my friend.

In Deepest Sympathy for Your Sorrow.

Just seeing and reading all the entries about Bud speaks for itself. This man impacted so many lives with his big smile, jokes, conversations and laughter. I met him 3yrs ago at The Home Depot through one of his co workers Ronnie. He was such a sweet person. I just saw him about 3 wks ago in the store talking and having fun. I'm going to miss you Bud..I already miss you..gone but never forgotten. This from "Lil Ronnie"( that's the nickname he gave me )

My heart was saddened to hear of your brother passing, he was a joy to be around, Bud was always so pleasant to be around, he will be missed. Your family is in my prayers. When we lived in pleasant hill, he was like a brother, he would always come to visit and keep us laughing with his unique sense  of humor.

To the Hardeman family I give my condolences, I worked with Bud in Bldg 127 he was a very good man and when my grandaughter came to work there in Bldg 127 he watched over her and I will always be thankful to him.  MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU ALL STRENGTH DURING THIS TIME.

Peace be with you and the love of our GOD comfort you. Camellia Douglass Simmons. Appling Class of 68

To the Hardeman Family you have my condolences on the loss of Bud. He was always a mentor and friend to me. I will miss him telling me,"Don't hurt me Big G!" RIP my friend!

To the Hardeman family, you have my deepest condolences. May he rest in peace and be forever in God's embrace.

To the family, may love of God mend your hearts.

Kay Stephens

Our deepest sympathies to the Hardeman family! I can't express in words how much Mr. Bud meant to my family. He was always a phone call away no matter what the issue was.  My children always loved coming to work just to see Mr. Bud. He always greeted them with a smile, hug, a high five and some candy. He was a great friend and mentor; he took me under his wing when I first arrived at Robins. I will always remember the stories and the memories we shared together. He will be missed!

Cheryl, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and the entire Hardeman family. God will sustain you.

Sorry to hear about my dear friend Bud...He and I  were good friends in high school. Thinking of his family and extending  our deepest sympathy.

I worked with Bud for several years in the 78th LRS squadron.  I pray that the Lord will envelope you in His loving arms and give you comfort and peace.  Bud was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him.

To Chevez, Trae, the grand children, Cheryl, his other sisters, his brother Larry all the family our hearts ache with you. Bud was our friend and family too. To be in his presence meant laughter. We will cherish the good times we had with him, and the space in our hearts for him is forever. How could you not love him. 
Danny, Jannie, Danny, Raji, Robert Edwards
Charleston, SC

I had the pleasure of working with Bud for a year in B-127; a super guy and was always in a good positive mood. He brightened up our work area and now he is lighting up Heaven! Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

There are no words to sufficently categorize Bud.  He was who he was!  Helpful, knowledgeable, hilarious, friendly, but ALWAYS on top of things.  I truly could not have picked a better place to work than B127.  Rest in peace Bud!  God bless.

Sincere sympathy to you,may you be given comfort by God Almighty..........

God took one of his true Service men back,to the Hardeman family keep looking up, there you will find peace and help. Melvin,Linda and the Scott family

Bud was the "Bud Man" and here at Robins AFB he was also "The CDFO".  Will always remember our times in TMO and on Mobility and the stories he would tell.  He was one of a kind and always made me laugh.  My condolences to all the family.

Hardeman Family I share in your grief over the loss of Bud. I have lost my card partner, my historian, my comedian, my storyteller, my host for all the family gatherings-I could go on and on but I will sum it up by saying that I have lost a great friend and beautiful spirit. RIP Bud until we meet again.

My heart is heavy, but I know you're shining down on us. You will be truly missed.

Celebrating A Life Well Lived. We Will Cherish The Memories Forever. Keeping The Family Lifted In Prayer.

To Chavez,Trae,Grand children, Cheryl other sisters, and brother Larry, all the family our hearts ache with you. Bud meant so much to us, and we will always cherish the good times we had together. Being in his presence meant laughter how could you not love him. 
Our friend and family. May you be strengthened and experience peace that only God can give. 

Danny, Janniie, Danny, Faraji, Robert Ecwards
Charleston, SC

MAXINE You & Your FAMILY are in our thoughts and PRAYERS.  Continue to keep the faith and hang in there.   Love, GREGOREE ANNE THOMAS-SIMMONS & CONNNIE THOMAS

Bud, I am so heartbroken and will be forever, I know you would not want that and maybe the pain will lessen, but will never go away. I never knew how much I loved you til your body left me, but your presence never will. So we will still talk everyday cause Big Brother in my heart you will always stay, Love You QT

Thank you all for loving my brother he touched many hearts, Love you Mrs. Flora May!

TO THE HARDEMAN FAMILY: I AM SO SORRY FOR YALL LOSS! MR. BUD I NEVER MET YOU I WORKED FOR YOUR SON TRAE @ SPARKS & WINGS! HE TALKED ABOUT YOU SO MUCH HOW CLOSE YALL WAS! GOD I AM ASKING YOU TO PLEASE PROTECT THIS FAMILY AS THEY ARE GRIEVING &HELP THEM KEEP GOOD MEMORIES ALIVE! I HAVE THIS FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS & TRY TO BE STRONG! GOD I AM ASKING YOU TO KEEP WATCH OVER TRAE HIS RIGHT HAND MAN IS GOING TO HEAVEN CAUSE YOU SENT FOR ANOTHER FALLING SOLDIER TO COME HOME! I GOT YALL IN MY DEEPEST PRAYERS

Our prayers are with you all. Bud was like a brother to us. We loved him so much we will truly miss him. May God bless your family.

I will always remember the laughs we shared, the times we had and the words of advise you gave. Bud was, is and always will be the kind of guy that uplifted all those around him and offered help and support to all in need. May your life serve as a marker for the way that we all should live. God bless you and all your love ones. We will always love you.

Bud thes Wilbur your Brother Knight from Saint Peter Claver. I luv U Man. To the Family: Peace. 
Bud was special.
Wilbur Whitfield

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.

It is with deep saddness to here of the passing of "Bud" as he was called by many. GOD never makes mistakes he knew it was time to call his solider home. May you take comfort in knowing no more suffering just rest and peace

Flora Mae White " former neighbor"

Our deepest sympathies to all the family of Mr. Hardeman, father of our beloved co-worker, Chavez Mood.

Our friend Earl Harpe let me know about the passing of "Bud"  I had the honor of working with him at the 94th APS from 1990 to 1995. He was an outstanding person who helped me tremendously. As a friend I will miss him very much.  I feel a part of your loss and pray that Our Lord will be with you and your family especially now and in the years to come when we think of this remarkable man.  I have many fond memories of our time together and appreciate the help he was to me and so many others.

Bud was a great co-worker to be around a an outstanding friend.  We loved to pick on each other in the TMO office when I was working there.  And everytime he saw me he was smiling.  Going to miss that.

With deepest sympathy to the family. I am sad to hear the news of your loss.  Ret. MSgt Hardeman was a kind, friendly, gentle man. He always had encouraging words of wisdom to share. He took me under his wings when I first arrived to the 94th APS.  I will forever remember his smile and I am grateful to have known him and worked with him. I will miss him dearly. Ret. TSgt Marie G. Harris

To the Hardeman family I send my deepest condolences. Bud was one of a kind, a great leader, and mentor. He was the greatest friend and was always there for me when I called. He always looked out for me when I thought I had no where to turn and he will never be forgotten but most of all he will be missed. I salute you Mr. CDFO!

i am very sorry to hear about the passing of Bud he was a very kind person he gave me many rides home from Robins Air Force Base. i will miss him dearly.

Bud was a sweet person inside and out.  He always made us laugh.  Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed!

Angela Hicks, LaTasha, Eboni & Makayla Royal

Taken way to soon "Bud" was a wonderful man with a beautiful spirit he will sadly missed but never forgotten. RIP

Dear Hardeman Family,
Having lost three brothers and a father I still can't say that I know how you feel. I can only know how I feel, and only you know how you feel.  I can say that in time you will have Joy in reminiscing about the good times you all had. Time doesn't heal everything but as time passes it does make things a little easier. Bud was a great guy. He was the type of person that was always fun being around. When he was around everyone enjoyed his company and had a good time. Bud and I grew up in the same neighborhood and we were station in Charleston SC at the same time after joining the service, Bud in the Air Force and me in the Navy. We had a lot of fun together.“Thinking of you all as you celebrate Bud remarkable life.” I am so sorry for your loss. Carl (Bab Bro) Dudley

RIP my  classmate & co-worker .
 
Ellis Brezial and Family

I am the "CDFO".  Famous words by Bud down at bldg. 127 at Robins. He knew how to run a deployment operation.   We loved him, and he would do anything for you, & he always had a story to tell. Reminded me of my Grandpa.  God Bless your family.  We will miss Bud!

Ernest Greer

Another sad day for pleasant hill I saw Bud at one of the reunions on the playground! R.I.P.Bud.

Bud was my cousin whom I love to see  his face because he was always smiling. A man with a big heart and loving family. Bud has such a great spirit which will truly be missed. The first word out of his mouth was always " Hey Cuz"
We Love You and on behalf of the Hardeman Family in Atlanta We Will Miss You.

I send my condolences to the Hardeman family. Even after I left Robins AFB for other assignments, I would try to make sure I stopped by to see bud. He was always there to talk about whatever you wanted to talk about. He will be missed.

Bud was always a smile coming toward you.Never will he ever be gone out of  any of our lives. A FRIEND AND CLASSMATE

To Maxine and The Hardeman Family...My sincerest and heartfelt prayers and condolences goes out to your family, during this difficult period of bereavement.  May Bud rest in peace and enter into his Master's Joy.

To:  The Hardeman Family

I was so very sadden to hear about the passing of Bud.  He will always be remembered by me and my family.

He always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
         James 1:5

Dear Hardeman Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Bud".  He was such a great guy with a big heart and warm smile.  May God grant you peace, strength and comfort.  May you smile when you remember the sweet spirit of him.

God bless,

Nothing like the sound of hearing "Bud" say "little mac we got to get them". Love this Brother

Gone too soon.I was deeply saddened by the news of Willie Horne "Bud" Hardeman Jr passing. He was a nice and helpful neighbor and waved at us everytime he saw us outside.My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

OBITUARY

Willie Horne Hardeman Jr.

5 March, 1951 – 30 November, 2014

Macon Memorial Park Cemetery

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