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Our RJR62 Classmate, William Henry (Bill) Hartman was born March 22, 1944. HIs father was William Henry Hartmn, Sr. Bill was very active at Reynolds, played in the band, was in the instrumental music club, the YFC (Youth for Christ Club), was Quiz Team captain, served in the dramatics club, the physical fitness club and was a Homecoming escort. Our classmate, Larry Crawford, said that he and Bill went to First Baptist Church in Winston Salem together during this time period. After graduation, what happend to Bill gets a bit sketchy. Larry Crawford reported that he happened to run into Bill in late 1962 or early 1963 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the University of Arkansas. They talked and Larry learned that Bill was actually attending nearby JBU (John Brown University) in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. From this point on until Bill's death, which occurred on July 6, 1986, we know practically nothing about Bill except that he died in Waco, Texas. He is buried beside his father at the Grace Aliance Church in Lexington, North Carolina. His monument there says: "With the Lord, July 6, 1986".
Most of us remember Bill has being a super nice guy with an infectious and winning smile. We know that he had many friends at Reynolds,and belatedly, we offer our deepest condolences to Bill's family. We all were blessed to have known him and we pray that Bill had a good life and that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ, wrapped in his loving arms for all eternity. (if anyone can offer any information on Bill's life, please email me at dantfergz@aol.com)
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Danny T. Ferguson
Kevin Beck
To:Anita Ogburn
Cc:Danny Ferguson
Fri, Jul 7 at 6:10 PM
I live in Lexington NC and used to be involved in drag boat racing. I knew Bill Hartman from there. At the time of his death he drove a boat for the Ofixco Racing team of Lloyd Stevens. Ofixco had 3 boats, the fastest of which was Bill's frequently running in the 150-160 mph range. Ofixco stands for Oklahoma Fixture Company (I think that's right) and sold office furniture and supplies. Prior to Ofixco Bill drove a boat for the country music singer Roy Clark, the boat named the Roy Clark Special, what else. I'm not sure but I think Bill worked in the music industry.
Waco Texas always had a race near the 4th of July and it was there Bill was killed when his boat crashed. I've attached a pic of Bill in his boat I took in London Ontario just weeks before his crash.
I don't have an obit although I did attend his funeral. I could try to verify if he was involved in music if you'd like. Still have friends in racing.
Danny T. Ferguson
Our classmate, Jim Middleton, found the following information about Bill Hartman: Thank you, Jim.
Tulsa Drag Boat Racer Killed
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Bill Hartman, a Tulsa drag boat racer, was killed Sunday after he lost control of his boat and was thrown out during the Texas Shootout race on Lake Brazos, authorities said.
Hartman, 38, died Sunday night about an hour after his blown alcohol hydro boat flipped over and hurled him into the water just after crossing the finish line, Providence Hospital officials said.
He had reached a top speed of 182.92 mph during the championship race, throughout which his Oklahoma Fixture Company-sponsored boat had been shaking and appeared unsteady, contest officials said.
Hartman was still alive and tried to sit up after paramedics pulled him from the water, but he died at the hospital from internal injuries suffered in the crash, officials said.
Carol Mowery (Willis)
I am so sorry. I knew him at RJR and he always was the nicest person. I am sad for his family. It sounds like he lived an exciting life with his boats and racing. Rest in Peace, Bill. 🙏🏻C