Billy Joe Hardwick, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 95. For the last year and a half, he battled with dementia.
Billy was born on February 6, 1930, in Richmond, the son of John Huston and Beulah Isabelle (Bayne) Hardwick. He was the youngest of two sons, his older brother was Gilbert Hardwick.
In November 1950, he was enlisted in the United States Army. On January 24, 1959, he married the love of his life, Kitty Ann Bollinger. Together, they enjoyed traveling with close friends, Cecil and Betty Starcher, and Floyd and Shirley Judd. In June of 1964, they welcomed their first daughter, Tammy Jo Hardwick. In October of 1970, they welcomed their second daughter, Lisa Katherine Hardwick.
At a young age, he owned his own milk route and later sold it to Curtis Proffitt. Billy Joe and Kitty Ann owned and operated Hardwick’s Drive Inn and Hardwick’s Small Engine Repair Shop. Billy Joe had many endeavors, ending his career at Walmart until the age of 94.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and loving wife, Kitty Ann.
He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Clark (Chris Oyler) and Lisa (Steve) Rittmiller; five grandchildren: Ashley (Eric) Morgan, Ryan (Brad) Nelson, Daniel (Nicci) Clark, Heather Rodenberg, Tyler (Dominique) Clark, Brandon Rittmiller, Taylor (Colby) Gerber, and 12 great-grandchildren: Jade Teichman, Madysyn Morgan, Kyler Morgan, Noah Nelson, Izaiah Nelson, Lynlee Morgan, Nolan Johnston, Olivia Morgan, Nellie Evans, Harper Clark, Ainsley Morgan, Blair Evans, Bentley Gerber, Noelle Morgan, and Riggs Gerber.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Billy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
