He was born June 16, 1928 in Wayne, Kentucky to Harrison William and Clara Belle (Lamberth) Hardwick. His parents preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his twin children, Pamela Sue Hardwick and William Lee Hardwick, Jr.; one grandson, Jerry Knaggs; eight sisters, Dorothy Marie Taylor, Margaret Young, Mae Jacobs, Frances Engstrom, Grace Hardwick, Frona Hardwick, Eula Hardwick and Monte Hardwick; and three brothers, Charley James ‘Chuck” Hardwick and Elzie Hardwick.
Surviving are four children; Deborah Knaggs of Glasford, Patricia (Roger) Clemens of Yates City, Michael (Connie) Hardwick of Manito and Mark Hardwick of East Peoria; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill owned and operated Steamway of Peoria for 20 years.
He loved fishing and country western music. In his younger years, he enjoyed buying and selling vintage cars.
His memorial visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Inurnment will follow the visitation at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin with Pastor Danny Hill officiating.
Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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