William Hill Hardwick

Born October 20, 1944 in Odessa, Texas went home to his Lord's house on December 16, 2010 at the age of 66. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald C. and Virginia Hill Hardwick of Odessa, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Dixie T. Dixon-Hardwick, wonderful daughters, Christin L. Hardwick of San Antonio, Texas, Kelly Hardwick Aaron and his favorite son-in-law, Lonnie Aaron, his beloved grandchildren, Luke William Aaron and Isabel Aaron all of Austin, Texas. Bill is also survived by sisters, Gerry Ann Mobley of Waco, Texas and Susan L. Hardwick of Houston, Texas and also by niece and nephew Kate and Ben Sanchez of San Antonio, Texas. Bill always considered Kate and Ben as his other grandchildren.

Bill graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute in 1963 and played on their only undefeated football team. Bill then graduated from Oklahoma University in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and always cheered for the Sooners. Even before graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corp. and served in Viet Nam in 1968 and 1969 as a Forward Air Observer and attained the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for saving the lives of several wounded Marines. Bill was the author of an autobiographical book entitled "Down South - One Marine's Tour of Viet Nam", Random House Publishing. This book was very well sold and helped many a Marine of that era find closure and peace including himself. He enjoyed attending reunions of Mike Company 3/7 and the First Marine Division and always felt a real brotherhood with his fellow Marines. Bill was also a very active member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church and loved his church family. Bill was one of the initial organizers of the Houston Farm and Ranch Club annual Christmas Food Drive that went on for over 20 years and benefitted several Houston area charities.

Bill was a wonderful loved husband, loving father, doting grandfather and uncle, and a beautiful man inside and out. Bill will always be our hero. He will be held in our hearts until we meet again.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Carl Sharpe, Barry Goodman, John Carrara, Jeck Dixon, Joel Paulk, Ernesto Sanchez, Bill Snapp, Lonnie Aaron, and Gregory Moore. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, December 20th with a memorial service starting at 7:00pm at St. Stephens UMC. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Stephens UMC or to an animal charity of your choice.