Bill Hardie

Grandpa Bill Hardie was born on June 30, 1933 to Ralph and Beaula Hardie in Sperry, Oklahoma. He went to his heavenly home on October 28 2023 at the age of 90 years old. His given name is actually Earnest Albert Hardie. But his Grandma called him Billy because he loved playing with the Billy goats! So Billy/Bill just stuck. He began school at Cherokee Elementary in Turley, but because he was a military brat he traveled to many different schools. He finally landed in Chase, Kansas, and completed his education at Chase High School, where he played football and built props for the school plays and proms. In case you didn’t know, Bill was quite a collector, of everything. In his collection was a News paper article titled: “Bill Hardie---He’s busy. Here is how the article spoke of Bill. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is the motto by which he tries mold his life his life. We think this is the main reason he is always available when something requires repairs, a stage manager is needed, or any other thing has to be done. Although he hasn’t much spare time (he’s working at school from 6 to 6) he manages to keep a thriving pencil collection. His first, and 80 year old lead pencil, was obtained about 10 years ago. This spurred him on and since then he has collected some 250 pencils and mechanical pencils, most of which bear advertising. And interesting fact is , no 2 are alike. When asked what guided his every day life, Bill answered, I like to help others in everyway I can.” Bill was very involved in his church activities, and summer church camps were an important part of his life. In one particular summer, he traveled to Wilberton, Oklahoma for camp. While there he met the love of his life, Betty Crumrine. She was at the camp as a guest of her best friend, Darlene Basse Westmoland. He was 16, she was 13 but he knew he had found the girl of his dreams. For the next 3 years he would hitchhike from Chase, Kansas, 272 miles, to Sperry to visit Betty. After graduation his mom and dad dropped him off at Ward Rumsey’s home, where he lived in their little garage apartment. Then, on October 3, 1952 he married his one and only girlfriend, Betty. Not long after he and Betty were married he secured a job with Otasco. He spent the next 37 years as a warehouseman, which eventually led to a supervisor position for the After Otasco closed their doors, he found employment with Tulsa Public Schools and then drove a bus for Skiatook Public Schools. The young couple settled in Sperry, and added their 3 children, Annis, Alane and Arthur to complete their family. They always made sure their kids were in church, (every time the doors were open), and that they attended church camp. As the kids grew older, Bill and his friend Howard built a very unique camper where the family would stay during their yearly vacation to Reunion (a family church camp.) Eventually, Bill designed his dream truck (a 2 seater Ford truck), bought a camper, and then a boat. Family activities included camping, fishing and water skiing. Bill was always active in his church, known then as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now Community of Christ. He was ordained a deacon in 1950 and a priest in 1960. In 1991 he was ordained an Elder. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Minister, Pastor, Youth Camp Director and hospital ministry. He believed in the power of prayer, and shared in prayer with any who asked. His hobby was being a Super Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. He supported his kids and grandkids in everything they did. Whether it be football, softball, basketball, wrestling matches, Special Olympic Events. Band and choir concerts, band contests, talent shows, award assemblies, whatever it was, he was in attendance at all of them. However, football was always his favorite, and he was not a fan of Operas. That support didn’t stop when his kids went off and started their own adult lives. He was still there. Only a phone call away. He still helped them move, repair cars, build new homes, and build and transport band props. He was the greatest dish washer and would mop floors till he would drop.. What-ever needed done, He was there. As he aged, he decided he was going to BE Santa. He loved little kids, so this was a great fit for him. He would start growing his beard and hair out at the end of summer, so he would be good and bushy for the Christmas season. He was Santa to many. At schools, church, community activities, Nursing homes, hospitals, anywhere he was called, He was there to bring the Christmas Joy of Santa, Interesting fact. he never allowed Santa in his home with his own kids because Christmas was “Jesus’ day!” In 2015, the town of Sperry honored Bill with the Old Timers Award. Bill loved the town of Sperry and his Pirates. Perhaps his greatest accomplishments was that he lived a clean, wholesome life. Shucks, rats or Hot Doggie were his strongest words. He lived his life by example. He taught folks to love God, to find joy in serving others, and to bless those around you with your gifts and talents. He taught us to be good leaders and to set a positive example. Most of all, he taught us to cherish, honor and love each other. He is survived by one brother, John and wife Sharon of Lyons, Kansas. 3 Children, Annis and Gene of Tulsa, Alane and Dave of Sperry and Arthur and Beth of Sand Springs. 7 Grandchildren, Shawna and husband Joe, Larry and wife Dee, Andrea and husband Eric, Angela, William, John and wife Amber, Rebecca and husband Michael. 12 Great Grand Children: Tiarra, Michaela, Darrin, Lexie, Brooklyn, Natalia, Leo, Dalton, Bella, Ellie, Chloe. And Takoda. And 4 Great-Great Grand daughters, as well as a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, son, Everett Allen, parents, Ralph and Beaula Hardie, Son in Law Lawrence Hickman, sister Darlene and Brother in Law, Ralph Coen. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Skiatook Community of Christ Church youth camp fund.

Bill Hardie

June 30, 1933 - October 28, 2023