William Hardy

William Sylvester (Bill) Hardy was born on September 22, 1938, to William and Rosella Hardy of Webster Groves, Missouri. He was the eldest of three children, William, Eugene (Gene), and Linda. Bill attended and graduated in 1956 from the former Douglas High School of Webster Groves, Missouri, prior to its desegregation in 1957. 

After high school, Bill attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he became a member of the prestigious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. As a result of his affinity for Lincoln’s mission and values, he would later serve as president of the Los Angeles Lincoln University Alumni Chapter for more than a decade – raising substantial amounts of scholarship funds for perspective and current Lincoln students from Los Angeles County.

In 1963, Bill relocated to Los Angeles where he and brother Gene would own and operate a neighborhood grocery store. They proudly provided quality produce, proteins, and various household necessities at reasonable prices to the community for many years – often extending credit to those in need. After closing the store, Bill worked in sales for the Chamber of Commerce, and later in quality assurance for the aerospace company, Hitco. In addition, he worked part-time for legendary Holly’s Barbeque, which he would eventually purchase with his wife, Sandi. Together, they continued to provide delicious barbeque to the Compton area for 15 years. After closing Holly’s Barbeque, Bill and Sandi opened Holly’s Catering, providing many jobs, while supplying affordable meals for weddings, homegoings, church events, parties, and community events.

As time permitted, Bill continued his schooling and obtained a finance degree, and eventually a Master of Science in School Counseling. Soon thereafter, he would begin his educational career teaching night classes at the Inglewood Adult School. He went on to teach elementary school before eventually settling into his passion as a middle school guidance counselor. He worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for more than twenty years. Bill’s dedication to helping youth was not limited to LAUSD. During his career and well into his retirement, Bill was actively involved in the Children Youth and Family Collaborative (CYFC). Additionally, he volunteered innumerable hours tutoring students and counseling foster youth, impacting countless Los Angeles’ youth.

Bill first met his future wife, and love of his life, Sandra Payne at a college dance. They remained friends, seeing each other when Bill was in town for holidays and family events. One year, Bill invited Sandi to accompany him to his family reunion – where she fit right in. They began dating long distance and shortly thereafter, Bill proposed to Sandi. For more than 45 wonderous years, they had a marriage rooted in faith, mutual respect, shared interest, and an abiding love of family and community. Together, they enjoyed attending concerts, plays, festivals, museums, and traveling the world over.

Bill was raised in the United Methodist Church (UMC), and soon after his arrival to Los Angeles, found his church home in 1972 at Holman UMC. Bill’s passion for sports and previous experience as a little league coach, led him to petition Reverend L.L. White to renew Holman’s participation in a church-based basketball league (OWACA). Bill coached and remained active in the organization for over forty years.

During his more than fifty years of membership at Holman, Bill was a frequent liturgist, Sunday school teacher, and youth camp counselor. Additionally, he chaired the Stewardship and Finance Committees, participated in the Beta Double Ring Club, attended adult Sunday school, completed all levels of disciple classes, and even attended line dancing classes. Moreover, he supported the Holman Africa University Student Scholarship Fund, as well as numerous other church endeavors.

Bill was the patriarch of his family, never hesitating to lend a helping hand and offer guidance. He had a wonderful keen sense of humor and never missed the opportunity to make friends and family laugh. Bill was constantly in pursuit of knowledge and could often be found reading and studying. He enjoyed sharing this knowledge and helping others reach their highest potential. He was an upstanding and honorable man who led by example. His remarkable life was a testament of patience, humility, kindness, generosity, and forgiveness. Bill was an inspiring representation of his Christian faith. 

Bill made his transition on January 3, 2024, joining his father William, mother Rosella, and bother Gene in Heaven. Those left to cherish his memories include his wife Sandi, sister Linda, son Alvin (wife Fatima), grandchildren Asha, Sandi, Alvin, and Jessica, nephews and nieces Hasani (wife Caroline), Anthony (wife Shamekia), Casper, Jessica, Shantell, Pancho, Dominick and Alex. Great grandchildren William, Chris, Norah, Rowan, and Charmaine, cousins and a host of friends.