Benjamin Hardwick

CLAXTON: Benjamin Hardwick, 45, passed away April 27, 2024. Ben graduated from Claxton High School, class of 1997 and then went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Electronics from Ogeechee Technical College in 2002. Ben pursued a career in Logistics for 13 years. In 2023, Ben joined the Evans County Board of Education where he worked as a Bus Driver and assisted the Claxton Middle School Tigers football team.

Ben was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and his love of football drew him to coaching. “Coach Ben” was in his element when he was on the field. Ben made an impact on the team and the other coaches. Parents and students alike loved Ben and the passion that he brought to the coaching role.

Ben was a loving husband, devoted father, wonderful son, brother, and a dear friend. Ben was known to be handy and could fix anything. He was not afraid to take things apart. He once repaired an oil leak by delving into a car engine and finding the problem. He was quite resourceful especially if there was a YouTube video on the topic.

Ben is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Julian and Julia Middleton; his paternal grandparents, Henry and Ivy Hardwick, grandfather Elder Wilmer Lynn, and his mother-in-law, Kay L. Nay.

SURVIVORS: His wife of twenty-two years, Kimberly W. Hardwick of Claxton, Ga.; sons, Byron, Julian and Dyson Hardwick all of Claxton, Ga.; mother, Martha (Elder Terry) Lynn of Claxton, Ga.; sister, Melissa Hardwick of Claxton, Ga.; sister-in-law, Rebecca Wilkerson of Statesboro, Ga.; step-brothers, Stephen (Katrina) Lynn, Bryan (Mandie) Lynn and Matt (Courtney) Lynn; father-in-law, Andy Nay; nephews, Noah and Caleb Hardwick; niece, Layla Hardwick; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

VISITATION: Thursday, May 2, 2024 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home

FUNERAL: Friday, May 3, 2024 11:00 a.m. at Rehoboth Baptist Church.

BURIAL: Red Brick Church Cemetery, Hortense, Georgia.

PALLBEAERS: Barry Goodwin, Collin Middleton, Shannon Middleton, Brian Middleton, Matt Middleton and Brian Lynn.

BURIAL: Red Brick Church / Hortense Cemetery, 861 Ballfield Road, Hortense, Ga. 31543.

REMEMBRANCES: Claxton Middle School Football Team, 600 Hendrix Street, Claxton, Ga. 30417.


Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
“Our Family Serving Your Family”
Since 1917
(912) 739-3338
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com