Mr. Eugene "Gene" Hardwick, age 78, of Lamar County, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2012. He was a Graduate of Appling Co. High School & Perry College, as well as the University of Georgia, with degrees in Accounting & Business Administration. He was a retired executive with BellSouth with 38 years of service, and was a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers. He was a Deacon with the First Baptist Church of Roswell, GA. He was a Director with the American Cancer Society, he worked with Relay For Life for many years, was a member of Village Readers- a group that reads to Pre-K children, past President of Barnesville Rotary Club, served on the City of Roswell, GA Zoning Board, served on the Solid Waste & Industrial Development Authority for Lamar Co, was 2 term Lamar County Commissioner (Vice-Chair for 6 years), current Chairman of the Lamar Co. Republican Party, among many other titles. He raised Beefmaster cattle and was the current President of the Southeastern Beefmaster Breeders Assn. and current President of Mid-Atlantic Beefmasters Marketing Group, & member of the GA. Cattleman's Association. He was a decorated Marine and a Mason. He loved the outdoors & was an avid & accomplished hunter & fisherman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Melaine, 4 children - (son) Lynn Hardwick, (daughters) Tara Hardwick, Jennifer Topper Simmons (Marcus), Heather Topper Cox (Cader) ; 6 grandchildren- Thomas Eugene Brimer, Madalyn Hardwick, Taylor Brimer, Carson Simmons, Kendall Simmons, & Caroline Cox ; 3 sisters- Grace Carswell, Angelia Taylor, Penelope Bowles; 1 brother- Chester Mims, & many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews. He was a dedicated husband, father, Granddad & his family was his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by many.

Funeral Services for Mr. Gene Hardwick will be conducted Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 2 O'Clock in the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with the Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Williams Funeral Home on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Those who wish may view the Memorial Page and sign the Guestbook online at: www.williamsfh.net

Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville is in charge of arrangements.

(770) 358-1678

Friday May 4, 2012, 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Williams Funeral Home

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Saturday May 5, 2012, 2:00 at First Baptist Church of Barnesville

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Saturday May 5, 2012 at Greenwood Cemetery

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