William R. Hardie, 89, adored father, friend and community servant, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 after a long illness.

The only child of William Vincent Hardie and Estelle Berger Hardie, Bill was born and raised in Washington D.C. His unconventional childhood was spent riding bicycles down Connecticut Avenue just steps from Harry S. Truman's residence, attending baseball games, and traveling extensively with his mother and beloved aunt, Gladys B. Stewart. His father retired when Bill was young, and the family moved to Springfield, Missouri.

After graduating from Greenwood Laboratory School and Drury University, Bill moved to St. Louis and worked as a research analyst for Mercantile Trust Company. In St. Louis, Bill met and married the love of his life, his perfect polar opposite, Virginia Anne "Ginger" Brice.  After the births of their two children, Rich and Cynthia, the family returned to Springfield, Missouri in 1967 where Bill managed the investment portfolio for Union National Bank, now Bank of America. Bill served as an investment advisor on numerous non-profit boards, most notably the Boys and Girls Club Trust Fund where he was a national Hall of Fame recipient. He was active with the Community Foundation, Greene County Estate Planning Council, Sigma Nu fraternity, King's Way United Methodist Church and anything involving his treasured alma mater, Greenwood Laboratory School.

Bill pursued many interests including tennis, history, politics, travel, and sports. He valued time with friends playing tennis, traveling, playing Pitch and chatting during social lunches and dinners. Despite his dedication to friends and service, his greatest joy was being a father and grandfather. He was a constant fixture at his children and grandchildren's events, prioritizing family above everything else. He must hold the record for games attended at Greenwood from 1950 to 2023, enjoying every event featuring his children or grandchildren, often boisterously. His ordinarily professional demeanor was often concealed at family sporting events reminding Greenwood referees to "call the foul" when games became contentious. He repeatedly motivated 1978-1981 Blue Jay football fans to stand for the start of each game, "Everyone up for the kick off!" He cherished precious time and memories made during family travel, particularly to places with historical significance.

Preceded in death by Ginger, his unforgettable wife of nearly 50 years, his parents and aunt Gladys B. Stewart, Bill is survived by his two loving children, his son Dr. Rich Hardie, his wife Cynthia Kirkpatrick Hardie, grandsons William Hardie III and Andrew Hardie all of San Diego, California; his daughter Cynthia Hardie Sharp, her husband Dr. Frank Sharp of Springfield, Missouri, grandchildren Meredith Sharp of Oxford, Mississippi and John Sharp of Denver, Colorado; two adored nieces, Kathleen Stewart Dello Stritto of Kenner, Louisianna and Ann Stewart Wagner and her husband Kevin Wagner of Beaumont, Texas; precious grand-dogs, countless friends and colleagues.

Bill served as a remarkable role model, mentor and gentleman. His priorities were clear: faith, family, friends, community and country. Demonstrating the highest levels of integrity, kindness and generosity, his influence will endure. His life will be celebrated with a combined visitation and memorial service at King's Way United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 4:00pm. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield at 1410 North Fremont Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802.