William Minor DeHardit, founder of Glo-Quips newspaper and publisher at DeHardit Press, died Tuesday, May 31, 2011. He was 82.
Born on August 30, 1928 to attorney George Paul DeHardit and Nelie Hogg DeHardit, he was the third of four children, George Paul Jr., John Edwin, and Patricia DeHardit Hicks. They all predeceased him.
His wife, Betty; daughter, Beth; son-in-law, Kenny, and granddaughters, Amy, Katherine and Alexandra, survive him. He also leaves behind loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Billy graduated from the former Botetourt High School in 1945 and served as a class reunion organizer for the group. He attended Hampden-Sydney College and became a member of the Theta Chi Nu Fraternity. He also attended The College of William and Mary and received a business degree from Richmond Professional Institute (today known as VCU). He served his country as a civilian officer in the Virginia National Guard and the Air Force Defense Command Observe Corps.
Billy founded Glo-Quips newspaper in 1960 which provided a historical record for rare photos and stories from the area’s rich history. The newspaper grew to a readership across the state and country and is still published by his family today. He welcomed all visitors with a smile to his newspaper office, and always offered them a Coke and a Hershey bar.
He is most remembered for his love of music, composing songs and formed the band the "Sundown Serenaders" with local musicians. One song, "Little Indian Pocahontas," written for the 1994 Gloucester County Pocahontas Celebration, was recorded by Jimmy Wickham of Donk’s Theater in Mathews County. Several other original tunes were also offered for family reunions and for the entertainment of his granddaughters.
He will be sorely missed by those fortunate enough to know and love him.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Ware Episcopal Church, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Highway. A private burial will precede the service.
The family would like to thank Ron Haggerty, M.D., and Katherine Beamer, CFNP, for their excellent care at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital.
Donations in his honor will go towards the beautification of Gloucester’s Pocahontas Statue and may be sent to Cheryl Brown Biondolillo, CPA, P.C., P.O. Box 1415, Gloucester, Va. 23061.