Lloyd Michael (Mike Hardgrave

Lloyd Michael (Mike) Hardgrave, 68, passed away on April 28 while on vacation in the Turks and in the Caicos islands with his family. His wife, Nancy, was with him at the time. He had just finished a wonderful trip with his family, Jason (son) and Shana (daughter-in-law) and their two daughters (Arabella Grace and Charlotte Clara), who had returned home several days before him. Mike was born in Birmingham, Ala. in 1946 and lived the majority of his childhood in Hot Springs, Ark. Mike attended Hot Springs High School. Notably, Mike was an active member of the band and a drummer as he was growing up. One of his greatest memories was playing in the Three Kings band with Bill Clinton, Randy Goodrum and Joe Newman. Mike went to college at the University of Arkansas, where he obtained an engineering degree and subsequently studied at Stanford University and obtained his Master's degree from Purdue University in Indiana. Following this, Mike led a very successful and accomplished career in Electrical and Aerospace engineering, retiring in 2007. Mike married the light of his life, Nancy (Godwin) Hardgrave, on Dec. 27, 1967. The two of them lived first together in Texas, Colorado, and California. Subsequently, they had the opportunity to travel and live in London for a number of years and then Washington, D.C. Following all of this travel, he retired to Pawley's Island, S.C. Together, they explored the world, traveled, laughed and sought new roads that were less traveled. Throughout his many travels, Mike always considered Hot Springs home and always made it a point to come back "home" to see family (and eat barbeque!). Mike will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and wisdom and for his bright spirit and great sense of adventure. Always thoughtful in both actions and words, Mike gave strength to the people in his life and loyal affection to the people who were dearest to him. Ears that were ready to listen and words filled with level-headed, compassionate and savvy advice, Mike possessed huge amounts of strength that his loved ones valued deeply. Passionate about his family, dear friends, travel and tennis, he lived his life fully with an enviable balance of peace and excitement. He will be missed more than words could begin to express. Since Mike passed away from heart failure, a memorial fund has been set-up to honor him and to help prevent and remedy others who may benefit from the great research and services provided by the American Heart Association. Donations on his behalf can be submitted to http://honor.americanheart.org, Memorial Fund for Mike Hardgrave. Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy Hardgrave; his son, Jason Hardgrave; his daughter-in-law, Shana Hardgrave; and his two grandchildren, Arabella Grace Hardgrave and Charlotte Clara Hardgrave. Visitation will be held from 4–6 p.m. on Wednesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home at 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Ark. 71913. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.