William Bryan Hardy Jr.

Visitation will follow after the services at Lloyd James Funeral Home.

William B. Hardy, Jr. was born July 18, 1926 in the Pine Springs community of Smith County. His parents were Bryan and Ruby Owen Hardy. Bill graduated from Tyler High School with the Class of '43 and attended one year at Texas A&M before entering the Navy. He returned to A&M after the war ended and received a degree in Horticulture. He then went to work as a sales representative for the chemical company American Cyanamid, living in San Antonio. In 1954 he married Vonna Beth Elliott of Troup and they lived in Houston for a short while before moving to Bryan. In 1960 they returned to Tyler to be near family and friends. He worked in real estate for a few years and eventually began a 26-year career as an independent petroleum landman. He was also involved in the ranching industry.

Bill is survived by his wife, Vonna Beth Hardy; his son, Bryan Hardy of Minneapolis, MN; a sister, Inez Burns of Houston; and many friends.

He was a member of The Woods Baptist Church, which he helped organize. He was also active in a number of local organizations, including the Tyler Board of Realtors, the AAPL and the Pine Springs Community Center.

If desired, memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas.