NOKOMIS, FLORIDA – William P. (Bill) Hardman, 65, of Nokomis, Florida and formerly of Smithville passed away May 3rd after a four-year courageous battle with cancer. Bill maintained a positive attitude during his battle all the way to his final day on earth.
Bill was born on April 14, 1954 to Rev. Rondal P. and Loretta Hardman in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Smithville High School in 1972. He attended Mount Union for two years and the University of Akron, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He taught History and Government at Smithville High School for 35 years before he retired. Bill coached football at Smithville for 38 years as well as track. He also served as the High School and Jr. High Athletic Director.
Bill and Diane Schopfer were married on June 21, 2003 at the Smithville United Methodist Church by the Reverend Doctor Allan Bevere. After retiring they would winter in Florida and return to their home in Smithville for the summer. Last year they sold their home in Smithville to remain in Florida year-round.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Rondal Hardman and a sister Penny Hetsch. He is survived by his mother Loretta Hardman of Wooster and brothers Mike (Dolores) Hardman of Smithville and Charlie (Karen) Hardman of Wooster. In addition, he is survived by nieces and nephews Kate (Pat) Knotts, Jeff Hetsch, Nick Hetsch, Lora (JT) Swerline, Chad (Tiffany) Hardman, Chris (Kerri) Hardman, Stacey (Rob) Slater, Doug Hardman, and Robin (Brett) Arnold.
He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians as well as Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Football. He enjoyed traveling and learning something new about the locations they visited. Many evenings were spent at the Jetty or enjoying the drum circle to watch the sunset. He was a member of the Moose Lodge # 1308 in Venice, Florida. During his teaching and coaching career, he mentored many young students and athletes resulting in friendships that lasted beyond high school or their involvement in sports. He enjoyed the support shown to him through the visits, cards, messages, and prayers from so many friends and family. His battle lasted through the 4th Quarter only with his teammates at his side.
Friends will be received at McIntire, Bradham and Sleek Funeral Home, 216 East Larwill Street, Wooster on Saturday, May 18th from 1:00 pm 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 pm at the Smithville United Methodist Church, 243 North Milton Street, Smithville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill s honor to a charity of your choice. Former students and athletes are encouraged to wear their Smithie Green in support of one of Bill s passions. Keep your toes in the water and fins up. We know you will be watching with us at every beach sunset!
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’;s choice
Service
Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Smithville United Methodist Church, 243 N. Milton St., Smithville
Visitation
Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 1-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home
To The Hardman family. Thoughts and prayers for your loss. May God comfort you.
The Catanzarite Family
I am so sorry to hear that Bill lost his battle. Thoughts & prayers to you, Diane & Charlie and all of your family. Sincerely, Jane
Mr Hardman – I don’t have one memory from high school that didn’t involve him in some way. He was passionate about teaching – in & out of the classroom. He was always a fixture at pep rallies and his love for sports unrivaled. Your family is in my thoughts and sending good vibes their way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends as you deal with your loss. Take comfort in the amazing man, teacher and mentor he was. God Speed coach!
Sympathies to the Hardman Family & of course to the Smithie Family from the Perry Family!
Bill , you fought as hard as anyone possibly could it was just not meant to be! You have so many people who admire your courage and strength. I was so glad to know you your positive words, reassurance as sick as you were always positive! Until we all meet again for that great big Smithie reunion…..
Deepest sympathy to Diane and to Bill’s extended family. It was a privilege for all of us who worked with Bill at SHS, and for his students, to enjoy his enthusiasm and energy in all aspects of the school. Who will ever forget his appearances at SHS pep rallys? His passion and love for Smithville was truly heartfelt. He was a great teacher, coach, and a really good guy.
Diane, Loretta, Charlie and families my sympathies for the loss of Bill. Many memories of Bill, as a fellow track coach. His great sense of humor,stories and smile could get you through a lot of bad weather track meets. He is missed by many. Dave Handwerk
To Bill’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville,Ohio
Many thoughts and prayers for your family during this painful time.
To The Hardman family. Thoughts and prayers for your loss. May God comfort you.
Bill was my teacher in high school and also one of my football coaches! he was a good man, and always took time to catch up on things if we saw each other… he also taught me a lot about football, he will be missed!!!
Diane So very sorry
My thoughts and Prayers are
With you.
Diane, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy as you celebrate Bill’s life.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire Hardman family. Great man that made a difference, God bless
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all in the Hardman Family. Like a great many people, I’m filled with admiration, respect, and appreciation for the life that Bill led and the things that he stood for. The courage, strength, and positive mental attitude that Bill displayed in recent years in his battle against cancer will remain with me and encourage and inspire me for the rest of my life. He will certainly be missed, but we will never forget him or the example that he provided to all of us! Prayers going forth for God’s comfort and reassurance for all of you!
When I heard Bill was sick I knew he would fight and never surrender because that was his nature. Bill never surrendered but kept fighting and through it all never complained. He may have lost the battle but he won the war. Sickness may have beat his flesh but his spirit never caved in and today he has the final victory. I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing Bill and working with him. His personality was contagious. I will continue praying for the Hardman family. Rest assured Bill is very happy right now . What a man!!!!!!
We loved Mr. Hardman and all of the wonderful stories he told in class. We donated $100 to St. Jude in his honor.