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Gregory George Hardwick (Greg) died, after a long illness, on March 17, 2021 at the age of 72.
Greg was born on April 15, 1948 to George and Myrtle Hardwick (nee Fox). He graduated from Wickliffe High School in Wickliffe, Ohio in 1966 and went on to graduate from Miami University in 1970. He was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Greg loved being a CPA. Beyond a career, it was his passion. He was the Managing Partner of Hardwick, Dunagan, and Company. Working long hours during tax season was expected by his family, but they knew he enjoyed working on tax returns and solving problems with the IRS. His clients quickly became more like close friends than business associates.
He was an avid Ohio sports fan. This included the Browns, Indians, Cavs, Miami Red Hawks and Ohio State, win or lose. His favorite sporting events were any that his children or grandsons participated in. He was a legend in the football stands and could be heard miles away screaming “Defense, Defense”. We like to think his cheers encouraged players to get that sack or tackle.
In addition to loving his family and sports, he also loved music. Greg was known to sing loudly and unabashedly, in public. He loved attending concerts with friends and family, listening to the radio or just singing the National Anthem before a game. He was a walking jukebox.
Greg was a devoted volunteer around the Atlanta community, most consistently with The Atlanta Track Club. He was a Crew Chief for the Peachtree Road Race for 20 years. He ran several marathons, his very favorite being the New York City Marathon. Running was a way of life for Greg, and he would encourage anyone to come out for a jog or sign up for a race. He played racquetball in the ladder league at the Athletic Club Northeast for many years as well.
He had a soft spot in his heart for all of his pet dogs, especially his many beloved German Shepherds.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (nee Benjack), his daughter Heather Hardwick Trainor (John), and his sons Christopher (Melissa), and Matthew. He is also survived by grandsons Jack, William, Phillip, Tyler, Grant, and Davis, a brother, Jim (Debra), a brother-of-heart Bill (Judy) Loparo, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle, and brother, Scott.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Greg Hardwick Scholarship Fund at Marist School. Checks may be made out to “Marist School” and mailed to 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Gifts may also be made on the Marist School online giving https://marist.myschoolapp.com/page/giving/make-a-gift/endowment-memorial–special-project-gifts?siteId=734&ssl=1 . Please write “In memory of Greg Hardwick” in the memo line of your check or in the comments section of your gift if you are giving online.
Given COVID, a private Zoom funeral service will be held for family and close friends.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914 www.GeorgiaCremation.com
Cindy Hardwick says
Greg, you are now free from the grips of a horrible disease. Your journey was not easy and took a toll on you and all who love you. I am very sad that you are no longer with us, but know that you have left many memories for us to remember. I wonder what song you are singing now. RIP.
Matthew Kramer says
Goodbye to a good man.
Santressa Lowe says
Our heart felt condolences to the Hardwick family…… Greg has truly impacted our lives and he will be truly missed.
Here are lyrics of a favorite song of mines that I can hear you singing for your time has been well spent!!
May the works I’ve done speak for me.
May the works (I’ve done) speak for me.
When I’m resting in my grave,
There’s nothing more to be said;
May the works (the works I’ve done)
Let it speak for me, (for me).
May the life I live speak for me.
May the life (I live) speak for me.
When I’m resting in my grave,
There’s nothing more to be said;
May the life (the life I live)
Let it speak for me, (for me).
The works I’ve done,
Sometimes it seems so small,
It seems like I’ve done nothing at all.
Lord I’m (leaning) and depending on You,
If I do right You’re gonna see me through;
May the works (the works I’ve done),
Let it speak for me (for me).
Rest easy Greg!!
James, Santressa Lowe and Family !!
Knox says
Thankfully he is now free. I can honestly say I never loved a friend as quickly I did Greg. I was lucky to be able to introduce him to many friends who in turned loved him as much as I. That was the man he was. We all thought and will still think the world of him. A truly wonderful guy with a great sense of humor and compassion for others, especially those who are struggling. These are not the typical hyperboles said of someone who passed. He ‘really was’ a great guy. My memories will stay in my heart forever.
If there ever were a time when this were appropriate for someone’s passing it’s now. I’m sure many have heard it before at times like this. It was found in the pocket of a dead soldier David Mickey Marcus in 1948 most likely written by Henry Van Dyke:
“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to meet and mingle with each other. Then some one at my side says, “There! She’s gone!” Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in the mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination. Her diminished size is in me, and not in her. And just at that moment, when some one at my side says, “There! she’s gone!” there are other eyes that are watching for her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!” And that is dying.
Linda Poole says
I always appreciated that Greg attended our class reunions . LindaSmithPoole class of ’66
Holly Iyer says
Greg helped me so much in business his referral s to me help my husband and I grew our bookkeeping business to new heights which we have not seen since he left BNI. I have missed Greg and when I heard he had passed I was sad. He was was a wonderful man.
Julie MacKenzie says
I will always remember you as the big brother of my first boyfriend. A lovely big guy who always made me feel welcomed and made me laugh. You’ll remain so in my memories and that will make you live on in the memories of all those lives you touched. My fond condolences to your family.
Andy Neiner says
My loss for not having known Greg but my blessing for knowing about him. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the children.
Ken & Terri Welch says
GodSpeed Greg.🙏
Judith Perdue says
Greg was a beautiful, loving man. I miss his warmth and his spirit of generosity.
Catherine (Nancy) Michael says
Greg, you are now free & at peace…thank our blessed Lord for that. You will be missed, but, never forgotten. My fondest memories of you were when we worked the beginning of Peachtree Road Race, trying to get people to their starting spots, even though they rarely followed direction. Your smiling face and calming patience always kept things moving. RIP dear Friend.