"Life used to be so hard, now everything is easy 'cause of you."

William Mark Hardgrove brought with his life a sense of ease, an appreciation of art and music, and an overabundance of acceptance and love. He was accomplished in his profession of logistics, embodied an entrepreneurial spirit and an impeccable work ethic, and had a zest for life that couldn't be matched. After a brief and unexpected battle with cancer, Mark left us peacefully on September 22nd, 2021, with family by his side in his beloved Clintonville home.

Mark recognized the inherent value in everyone he met. His generous ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room was endearing to the myriad of family and friends he collected upon the way. He championed society’s underdogs and readily shared great wisdom packed in sometimes off-color one-liners. His golf swing could be as offensive as his jokes, but you couldn’t imagine a better partner for your foursome.

Mark leaves behind the love of his life, Cynthia Schillig, with whom he’s shared many fond memories of travel, adventures buying copious amounts of belts at auctions, and nights of music at Robert’s and the Boom Boom Room. He is survived by his former spouse Kathy Hardgrove, daughter Katrina Hardgrove-Ingle (Dennis), and son Dustin Hardgrove (Anna). His children thank him for instilling the love of America's pastime, the overly competitive Jeopardy viewings, and many a rowdy evening of concerts and festivals. Mark is also survived by brother Kenneth Morris Jr. (Elaine), children Matthew (Amanda) Schillig, Catherine (John) Philippi, and Ashley (Mark) Dirou, and the greatest nieces and nephews. He had eleven spirited grandchildren that will dearly miss their weekly surprise visits from their Opa armed with sweets galore, and will be missed by his protectors Khato and Kim Chee, their Japanese Chins.

We imagine Mark is somewhere watching the Atlanta Braves with his parents, Marriane and Kenneth Morris Sr., with whom he was preceded in death. He is also joining beloved sisters Nancy Davis, Heidi Hardgrove, and dear brother Hans (Tonya) Hardgrove.

The family would like to express gratitude to their dearest friend Donna Carstens and Vinny, to Andrew Hardgrove for making all the difference, to everyone at Estes and Coldwell Banker Realty for their support and touching gifts, and to Colin Cowherd for being Mark’s guru. An undoubtedly raucous celebration in Mark’s honor will be held at a later date. While we’re left without our fearless leader, we take solace in our warm memories and will forever ask ourselves, “what would Opa do?” 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/william-hardgrove/obituary/

Copy