William Gary Hardison, Sr.

View Video Tribute View Funeral Webcast William Gary “Bug Man” Hardison 70, died Saturday, January 30, 2021 at his residence in Columbia. Born July 25, 1950 to parents, William Walter and Ruby Hazel Hardison. At a young age Gary new what his passion in life was going to be, work and hard work. At the age of 8 Gary and his father ran a successful fruit stand, this was the first of many entrepreneurial ventures for Mr. Hardison. In 1970 he met his beautiful loving wife of 51 years Margaret Hardison and they soon began their family. Their three children, William Gary, Jr, Brian Wayne, and Pamela Kay being one of their greatest accomplishments along with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and loved his family very much. Gary worked hard every day to better his family and all those around him. He never complained, had a giving heart, loved helping others, and instilled in his children and grandchildren to love the Lord and work hard. After working in chemical plants, and the pest control industry and his best friend Alvin Luna took a great leap of faith and opened L&H pest control. Here Gary and Alvin would spend the next thirty-five years working together alongside their wives, children, and son-in-law. It is without a doubt pest control was Gary’s true passion and he never missed a day of work, rarely took a vacation and worked almost every Saturday. Gary worked not out of necessity but because he loved to see his clients that span all across Middle Tennessee. Mr. Hardison was a devoted worker to his community and customers. In 2005, along with his sons, Gary, Jr. and Brian, they owned and operated H&H Pest Control, where he worked until 2020 when he retired. Gary enjoyed life every day and would spend time with his family, visiting the lake and tinkering with classic cars. One of the greatest joys of Mr. Gary’s life was being saved by Christ. Gary was a devoted Christian and spent many days listening, studying, and sharing the gospel with those he would encounter. Mr. Gary has touched many hearts and helped thousands of clients over his nearly 50 years in the pest control industry. Gary was a member of several car clubs and former President of Tennessee Pest Control Association. Survivors include his wife, whom he married January 10, 1970, Margaret Hargrove Hardison of Columbia; sons, William (Sandy) Hardison, Jr of Culleoka; Brian Wayne Hardison of Columbia; daughter, Pamela (Jason) Hooten of Columbia; grandchildren, Zach (Mary Catherine) Hooten, Brandon Hardison, Sarah Hooten, Summer Hooten; great grandchildren, Knox Hooten, Brooks Hooten; sisters, Betty (Terry) Chappell of Franklin; Linda (Jimmy) Pantall of Columbia; Cathey (Ronnie) Cheek of Lewisburg; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Alvin Luna. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Kris Hardison in 2008; sister, Brenda Potts; and brothers-in-law, Richard Hargrove, and Billy Johnson. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Raymond Johnson and Zach Hooten officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family with friends Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family suggest memorials to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Active pallbearers will be Zach Hooten, Brandon Hardison, Gary Hardison, Jr., Jason Hooten, Brian Hardison, and Alvin Luna. Honorary pallbearers include Knox and Brooks Hooten, Bennie Hargrove, Bob Hargrove, Jason Johnson, Billy Johnson Jr., Tyler Luna, Ronnie Cheek, Jimmy Pantall, and Terry Campbell. The family would like to express a special thanks to his caregiver, Leslie Hanson, Hospice Compassus nurses, Paige, Danielle, Ashley, and Amy, Dr. Reams Powers, Charles Cornett, Dr. Lucy Ledbetter, Dr. John Jensen, and all his loyal customers.