Benjamin Calhoun Hardwick

Benjamin Calhoun Hardwick was born on Christmas Eve, 1923, to Sharpe Benjamin and Pattie Roberts Hardwick in Gunter’s Islands Aynor, South Carolina. He died at home Tuesday, January 26, 2010. The first born son, he helped his parents farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944. He served in the lst Army with the Texas National Guard, and General George Patton in North Africa. While in Europe he met his brother who was serving in another unit. They both survived and returned to the family farm. He was able to attend the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. and he was very proud to be a part of that dedication to all the men and women who fought. Mr. Hardwick learned how to make baskets from white oak trees from his father. He used this talent to make baskets for family and friends. After retiring from AT&T (Western Electric) in 1986 to keep the apple of his eye, his granddaughter Abigail, he spent many hours devoted to her. He greatly enjoyed the days they had together – just Abigail and Papaw, especially the Putt-Putt day each year, the day before school started. This annual tradition continued into her college days at Wake Forest. Mr. Hardwick, a Deacon Club member enjoyed cheering on the Deacs. On March 31, 1950 Mr. Hardwick married Sadie Marie Lawson in Conway, SC. She preceded him in death on September 23, 2007. Mr. Hardwick was also preceded in death by his parents, and all of his siblings; Ruth, Wrightman, Kate, Mary, Estelene, Capman and Franklin. He is survived by his only child, daughter Linda (Gail) Kiger (Jim), granddaughter, Abigail Marie Paul (Nicholas), and his “Sweetie Pie,” great-granddaughter Lily Gail Paul. Mr. Hardwick was a longtime deacon and member of Urban Street Baptist Church. Every morning and night he spent time reading his Bible and reading his daily devotions. He faithfully attended Waughtown Baptist Church for the past 11 years, where he felt loved by the members. A funeral service will be held at Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 29, 2010 with the Rev. Dr. Billy Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and other times at the daughter’s home on North Wind Drive. Memorial may be made to the American Heart Association, 201 Centerport Drive, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27409 and Waughtown Baptist Church, 1538 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107.Online condolences may be made at