Roll Call Tribute

William Hammett "Bill" Hardy, III 

October 17, 1936 - August 14, 2024 

William Hammett “Bill” Hardy, III, 87, of Houston, Texas, and College Station, Texas, passed away in Houston on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024. Bill was born October 17, 1936, to William Hammett Hardy, II and Bernice Rich Hardy in Longview, Texas.

Bill’s family moved to Galena Park, Texas, where he was raised. He graduated from Galena Park High School in 1955, then attended Texas A&M University to study civil engineering and was a member of Squadron 16. After graduating in 1959, he returned to Galena Park and began working for Southern Pacific Railroad. While back home, he met the love of his life, Rosemary “Cissy” Rongers. They married on December 24, 1960. Bill’s job took them many places in the early years of their marriage. They later returned to the Houston area, and Bill began a career with William A. Smith Railroad Construction before starting his own business, Industrial Utilities Services and Hardy Utilities.

Bill and Cissy raised three daughters in Houston and were blessed with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bill is lovingly and appropriately known as “Boss” by his grandchildren. Known as a man of few words, when he spoke, his words made an impact, imparting life lessons, keen observations, and most often humor, whether intentional or not. Over the years, he immersed himself in various hobbies, including fishing, bowling, tennis, golf, and pickleball. He loved sports and was a devoted fan of Aggie sports, all of them. He was a season ticket holder for football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, track and field, tennis, and more. He went to coach's nights and player meet and greets; if it was related to Aggie sports, he was there.

Bill Hardy was a man who lived his life on his terms in everything he did. He knew who he was, who he loved, and what he wanted. He loved his friends and family with a silent fierceness that was unmatched. He lived this way until the very end, expressing his gratitude for the generous gift of almost 88 years on this earth.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cissy Hardy; daughter Debra Ruehlen; daughter Michelle Torres and husband Patrick Torres; daughter Christy Johnson and husband Ted Johnson; grandchildren, Rachel and husband Alex Biondi, Ally Ruehlen, Zach Torres and wife Lindsey Torres, Joshua Torres, Adam Torres, Claire Johnson, and Patrick Johnson; great-grandchildren, Leo and Fiona Biondi; brother Jim Hardy; and his faithful canine companion of 12 years, Jazzy girl.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Lung Association www.lung.org or the American Heart Association www.heart.org.