Obituary of Tom Hardwick

Ralph Bernard “Tom” Hardwick, 76, of Fort Gay, WV passed from labor to refreshment on March 2, 2024 at his home on Hardwick Ridge surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 24, 1947 in Louisa, Kentucky to the late Belva Hardwick Vinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Pap and Granny, who raised him, George Washington and Rosa Crace Hardwick, his first wife, Darlene Ramey Hardwick, a special mother-in-law, Pauline Dillon, and numerous other relatives and friends. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirlene Dillon Hardwick; three sons, Ralph A. "Andy" Hardwick and wife, Stacie, Thomas Cruz Hardwick and wife, Whitney; and R.K. Gissel and wife, Sarah; three granddaughters, Andrea Foley and husband, Johnathan, Lilly Gissel, and Abilene Grace Hardwick; and three great-grandchildren,  Jenna, Johna, and Daniel Foley.      

Tom was a hard-working, fun-loving, compassionate person.  A man of few words, but when he spoke, folks listened. He served his country in the 1st. U.S. Army HHC 4th. Battalion (M), 54th. Infantry during the Vietnam War. After his duty of service, he went to work for the Consolidated Rail Company (Conrail) from which he retired.  He was a general class amateur radio operator (KC8ZCB) and CB operator “Grey Fox” for many years.  He enjoyed the outdoors, especially coon hunting; he was blessed to win several world hunts with his prize Walker Coon Hounds.  Tom was always very devoted to anything that he was involved in, the most of which was his walk with God.  He was born again on October 22, 2011, just two days shy of his sixty-fourth birthday, of which he often exclaimed, “ I had a birth I can’t remember and one that I will never forget!” Tom was a faithful member of Saltpetre Community Church where he served as an Elder and Trustee.  Though he wore many hats and received numerous accolades too numerous to count he would not have given all that for the grace that he received when God saved him; That grace that carried him through all of the encumbrances of this transitory life and all the way to the presence of our LORD and Master where he will wait for the resurrection of the dead at which time his earthen tabernacle will be glorified. 

Funeral services will be conducted 5 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Saltpetre Community Church in Fort Gay, WV with Pastor Chris Wilson, Bro. Larry Goble, and Bro. Andy Hardwick. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, March 7 from 4 PM at the Saltpetre Community Church. The family will not be accepting any flowers. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Saltpetre Community Church, P.O. Box 275, Fort Gay, WV 25514. All care and final arrangements  have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home.