William Hardison

February 10, 1961 - May 23, 2019

William Melvin Hardison, Jr. (affectionately known to many as “Billy”) was born February 10, 1961 to the late Willie Melvin Hardison, Sr. and Bishop Carolyn Hardison in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He departed this life May 23, 2019 at the age of 58 in Raleigh, North Carolina surrounded by his loving family. William was a lifelong resident of Connecticut before moving to North Carolina to be closer to his family. He worked hard to receive his GED and later received his certificate in auto repair. He held a variety of jobs over his life, and most recently worked as a resident maintenance assistant until his physical health declined. At a very young age William was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the indwelling of the Holy Ghost at Faith Deliverance Tabernacle, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Family meant everything to William and he cherished his time with his family and many friends. William loved people and in return, was loved by many people. Never meeting a stranger, he reached out to everyone. It was his blessing to invite people into his home to ensure they had a place to stay, food to eat and clothes on their back. He would do anything he could to provide information about available resources to help them get back on their feet. William was very charismatic and was always known as a gentleman, to which he would reply, “my mama taught me well.” William leaves to cherish his loving memory, his mother, Bishop Carolyn Hardison, his sisters, Wanda (William) Parmlee and Tina Hardison of North Carolina; brothers, Jerome (Shontia) Hardison of Arizona and Kevin (Quinella) Hardison of North Carolina; nieces, Wenise Parmlee, Watishia Parmlee, Shontae Johnson, Shonjai Hardison, Sharif Hardison and Shayla Hardison. He also leaves a host of uncles, aunts, great-nieces and great-nephews, relatives and friends. He is pre-deceased in death by his father, Willie M. Hardison, Sr. A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glorious Church, 3540 Maitland Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610.