Mr. Phillip Neil Hardwick

Phillip Neil Hardwick, 58, lost his battle with COPD on May 28, 2017, at Christus St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, LA. Phillip was born in Aiken, SC, on September 26, 1958. He was the son of Nathan E. Hardwick II of Albany, GA, and Nancy J. Knight of Albany, GA. He is survived by siblings Nathan E. Hardwick III of Glendale, AZ, Jackie (Russ) Youngblood of Shalimar, FL, and Michael D. Hardwick of Albany, GA. He is predeceased by his sister, Donna K. Whitmore of Brunswick, GA. Phillip spent his adult life travelling to many parts of the U.S., working as a crane operator. Greatly respected in his profession for his proficiency and experience, Phillip was very proud of his work abilities and always said, “The proof is in the pudding.” He was quick-witted and bright with a love of people and family. He also had a great sense of humor and loved to give nicknames to those around him. Phillip loved the University of Georgia Bulldogs and looked forward to football season each year. He shared this love with his mother, who was also an avid fan. NASCAR, too, was one of his favorite pastimes. He relished the holidays spent with siblings, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with the children, whether making up songs with the great-nephews (sons of nephew, Phillip (Jamie) Lovett) or going to the beach or out on the boat with great-nephew and great-nieces (children of nephews, Jonathan (Deidre) Price and Joshua (Kierstin) Price). He considered the home of his sister, Jackie, as his home base and loved sitting outside, looking at the water. Phillip spent time with each sibling during various seasons of his life, in AZ with Nathan and his children, April (Aaron) Kline, Jessica Hardwick, Mary Hardwick and Nate Hardwick and with his brother, Michael (Pam), and his daughters, Mandy (Jon) Gray and Tara (James) Gray. Most recently, he spent time with Michael, enjoying some downtime before his last job in Lake Charles, LA. He loved every moment spent relaxing and visiting with friends. Phillip fought demons throughout his life, but the most persistent was his battle with tobacco. This was the final fight that took his life. In recent years, he struggled to breathe, yet continued to work at a high level. We mourn our brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He leaves a hole in the hearts of those who loved him. Phillip would want to acknowledge his appreciation of organizations from whom he received assistance during his life, including the Salvation Army and Waterfront Mission (Ft. Walton Bch., FL). He made lifelong friends within these and, from them, gained inspiration and found healing. Phillip loved the Word of God, the devotion times, and Bible study. The family thanks all those who circled Phillip with prayers and healing thoughts during his final illness. Kimbrell-Stern is handling the arrangements for Phillip. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at Kimbrell-Stern, 1503 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 at the chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery, 1907 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA, at 4:00 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at Merry Acres Inn at 1500 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA.

Mr. Phillip Neil Hardwick

September 26, 1958 - May 28, 2017