Mr. Eugene ‘Gene’ Hardwick, age 78, of Lamar County, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2012. He was a graduate of Appling County High School and Perry College, as well as the University of Georgia, with degrees in accounting and business administration. He was a retired executive with BellSouth with 38 years of service and was a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers. He was a deacon with the First Baptist Church of Roswell, Ga. He was a director with the American Cancer Society, he worked with Relay For Life for many years, was a member of Village Readers ‘“ a group that reads to Pre-K children ‘“ past president of Barnesville Rotary Club, served on the city of Roswell, Ga., zoning board, served on the Solid Waste and Industrial Development Authority for Lamar County, was two term Lamar County commissioner (vice-chair for six years), current chairman of the Lamar County Republican Party, among many other titles. He raised Beefmaster cattle and was the current president of the Southeastern Beefmaster Breeders Association and current president of Mid-Atlantic Beefmasters Marketing Group, and member of the Georgia Cattleman’s Association. He was a decorated Marine and a Mason. He loved the outdoors and was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Melaine; four children, son Lynn Hardwick, daughters Tara Hardwick, Jennifer Topper Simmons (Marcus) and Heather Topper Cox (Cader); six grandchildren, Thomas Eugene Brimer, Madalyn Hardwick, Taylor Brimer, Carson Simmons, Kendall Simmons and Caroline Cox; three sisters, Grace Carswell, Angelia Taylor and Penelope Bowles; one brother, Chester Mims; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a dedicated husband, father, Granddad and his family was his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by many. Funeral services for Mr. Gene Hardwick will be conducted Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with the Rev. Garth Forster officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Williams Funeral Home on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those who wish may view the memorial page and sign the guestbook online at williamsfh.net. Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville is in charge of arrangements, 770-358-1678.
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