William C. (Bill) Hardy, of Covington, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the age of 88. 

Mr. Hardy graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture. After cattle farming for 10 years, he pursued a career with the Department of Agriculture where he worked as a Soil Conservationist for more than 30 years. Mr. Hardy was an active member of First Baptist Church in Covington. He served in various roles at the church including teaching Sunday School classes for many years, faithfully acting as a deacon and lending his beautiful tenor voice to the choir. Mr. Hardy’s passions were playing tennis and bird hunting, especially quail and dove. Once retired, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Bertie Ann, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Mr. Hardy was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Hardy; and parents, Leonard George and Cecile (Berry) Hardy. 

Mr. Hardy will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Bertie Ann Hardy, of Covington; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Bert Jones, of Sandy Springs; grandchildren, Bryce and Annalise Jones; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Zee and Lucia Massey, of Crawford; as well as sister-in-law, Jane Hardy, of Peachtree City. 

A Funeral Service for Mr. Hardy was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at First Baptist Church, 1139 Usher St. NE, in Covington, with Dr. Cody McNutt officiating. Interment followed in Lawnwood Memorial Park, Covington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: First Baptist Church, or Gerri and Ralph Murphy Scholarship Fund, in care of First Baptist Church.