William Joseph Hardbower, Jr.

William Joseph Hardbower Jr. “Billy” November 6, 1937 – December 12, 2024 William Joseph Hardbower Jr., lovingly known as “Billy,” or “Opa”, of Culpeper, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old. Billy was born on November 6, 1937, in Alexandria, Virginia, to the late William J. Hardbower Sr. and Clenstine “Agnes” Hardbower.

Raised in a humble and loving home, Billy grew up with strong values of hard work, kindness, and devotion to those he cared for. He met the love of his life, Alberta Jeanette Hardbower, and together they shared 64 beautiful years of marriage until Alberta’s passing on May 3, 2022. Their bond was a shining example of love, partnership, and family.

Billy is survived by his two children, Debbie Hawkins and her husband Vincent, and Dwayne Hardbower and his wife Teresa. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Benjamin Hardbower; Jacob Hardbower and his wife Alyssa; T.J. Williams and his wife Tara; Angela Wolfford; and Tres Wolfford and his wife Emily. Billy’s legacy also lives on through his beloved great-grandchildren, Elijah Williams, Juliana Williams, Olivia Jane Gray, and Miles Wolfford, all of whom brought him great joy. In addition, Billy is survived by his sister Joan Griffith of Ocala, Florida, and his brother Ken Hardbower and his wife Patty of Bluemont, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Grantham.

Billy had a great love for his family and was happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a special fondness for Beagles, as well as the hobbies of hunting and saltwater fishing. Some of his most cherished memories came from taking his family on vacations to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where they shared countless adventures and laughter. Billy’s sense of humor shone brightest when he would sneak candy to his grandchildren during visits to his house, much to their delight. Billy was also an avid golfer, a talent he developed in high school and continued to enjoy throughout his life. He found joy in gardening, transforming his yard into a place of beauty and tranquility. Whether it was tending his plants, hunting, fishing, or working on small projects, Billy’s life reflected his patient and nurturing nature.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Clore-English Funeral Home in Culpeper, Virginia. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Clore-English Funeral Home, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00A.M. with a graveside service to honor and celebrate Billy’s life at 2:00 PM at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia.The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. (prior to the funeral service) at the Clore-English Funeral Home.

Billy’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and humility. His kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will forever be remembered. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of compassion, humor, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him.