Billy John Hargrove

Bill’s passions in life were his family, hunting, supporting those who serve our country, and reading. He could often be found planning his next hunt with his grandsons, reading books from almost any genre or talking with his beloved wife Karol about his love for her, their son and daughters, and this great country. Bill and Karol were married for 66 years; he married ‘the girl next door’ on July 4, 1953.

Bill loved his family fiercely. He was quick to praise and purposeful in correction. He often shared the story of the wolf with anyone at a crossroads. This Cherokee legend served as a guiding precept for how he conducted his life. As the tale goes, “One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: Which wolf wins?... The old Cherokees simply replied, ‘The one that you feed.’” Bill always wanted those around him to feed the good. He led by example.

His storied life saw him serving in the United States Air Force, working in the circus to rodeos, to careers at Goodyear and Allstate Insurance. Ultimately, he found his dream job that blended his love of country, fun, and celebrating life: working for TNT Fireworks. In addition, he and Karol have operated the Madera Flea Market and Swap Meet. He fed his hard-working, generous, and dedicated side; he encouraged his colleagues and family to do the same. He could often be heard reminding those around him, “If you are ten minutes early, you are five minutes late.”

Bill is survived by his wife Karol Hargrove; his brother Ralph (Carol); his daughters: Karen Mohr (Rick), Linda Mackay (Greg), and Johna Wilson (Jim); his grandchildren: Jennifer (George), Jaime (Gary), John (Michelle), Stefani (Geoff), Lindsay (David), Garrett (Sydney), Griffin, Dean, David, Kylie, Jil, and Justin (Amanda); his great-grandchildren; and his great-great-granddaughter. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Shirley, and his loving son, Dean. He fed his adoring, caring, and compassionate side as he witnessed family ups and downs, focusing on the good; he encouraged his friends and family to do the same.

Bill encouraged everyone he met to recognize what they fed their inner wolf. He’d support sacrifice, service, and celebrate over self-serving, wallowing, and resenting. He’d tell you to, “Saddle up!” and he would support you along your journey. May we all be like Bill in our intense love for Karol, for the USA, for family, and for friends.

Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He favorite hymn was “I Stand All Amazed.” His faith was filled with love for the Savior: “Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!” He fed the faithful, reverent, and spiritual side.

In lieu of flowers, we request that you please consider donating to causes and charities that are important to Bill: Wounded Warriors Project, LDS charities, American Cancer Society, or Tunnels to Towers.

Due to COVID-19, in-person attendance at the Celebration of Life and burial services will be limited to immediate family.

There will be a link provided on the mortuary website for those who wish to attend remotely.

Topic: Hargrove memorial

Time: Dec 22, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89343033833?pwd=OStGckpYaUVZbFhZWUF2NHNnc0pTUT09

Meeting ID: 893 4303 3833

Passcode: Hargrove