William Lawrence Hardin, Sr.

William Lawrence Hardin Sr., age 74, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away after decades of battling chronic illnesses on Saturday February 28, 2026.

Born in Louisville, the fifth child to Robert Hardin and Virginia Jackson Hardin. He is the final member of his family of origin to leave this world. He was a proud graduate of Ahrens Trade High School. As a young man, he was active in the Boy Scouts and competed in Olympic-style wrestling, demonstrating the discipline and determination that would guide him throughout his life.

William lived a full and multifaceted life, embracing many roles — son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather — each one deeply meaningful to him.

He began his career as a master mechanic for Cadillac, where his technical skill and attention to detail were well respected. Always entrepreneurial, he later founded his own cleaning company, Environmental Maintenance & Management. William also pursued various business ventures, including multi-level marketing opportunities, and worked as a salesman for Neil Huffman Car Dealership.

William had a lifelong fascination with technology and innovation. If he saw a purpose for something, he wanted to understand it, own it, and experiment with it — from phones and computers to printers, tablets, watches, and photography equipment. He enjoyed exploring how things worked and staying current with emerging advancements.

William also loved hobbies of all kinds, especially trains. Lionel trains were his favorite — particularly the classic models that smoked and made authentic sounds. Hobby shops brought him joy, whether he was browsing RC cars, airplanes, or slot cars. He could often be found with a camera in hand recording the lives of his children and grandchildren throughout years of school, church and community events. He always enjoyed cooking for and eating with friends - preferably outside around a bbq.

In his later years, his time at Southeast Christian Church became especially meaningful to him. Volunteering there was, in many ways, like a job he faithfully showed up for. He served as a greeter and helped prepare and set up the Lord’s Supper, finding purpose and joy in welcoming others and supporting his church community. Service to others was central to his life.

William was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings Carl Hardin, Sr. (Joan), Robert, Hardin, Jr. (Betty), Marcelene Hardin Gardner, Rosa Bell Hardin Mills and loving wife of 45 years, Mona Lisa Tillman Hardin.

He is survived by his children: Beverly Grant (Bonus Daughter), William L. Hardin Jr. (Karen), Monica Hardin Booker, and Aaron Hardin (Julie); and his cherished grandchildren: Alexis Hardin, Isaiah Hardin, Adelyn Hardin, Faith Booker, and Eden Booker.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the many interests he pursued with enthusiasm, and the quiet, steady ways he served others.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 PM at Southeast Christian Church, Blankenbaker Campus, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky 40243