William Hardie Gurganus, 93, of Cordova, passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at Walker Baptist Medical Center. He was a proud alumnus of Auburn University before serving his country in WWII and in the European Theatre. He reached the rank of colonel, serving principally as a medical triage officer, and spent his entire war with the 10th Mtn. Division (ski patrol) Army Rangers. His church was important above all in his life, and he was a lifelong active member of Cordova Church of Christ, and a supporter of Indian Creek Youth Camp. He was active in numerous civic organizations. He received the highest scouting award, the Silver Beaver. He loved serving as Tail Twister of Cordova Lions Club and was a member of Cordova Lodge 559 for 65 years. A golf nut, he was a member of Musgrove Country Club for than 50 years. He was a proud part of Pinnacle Bank for more than 50 years and always deeply grateful for the mentoring of Mr. T.R. Simmons.

Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. William Tittle will officiate.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mary Elizabeth Tubb Gurganus; parents, Arthur and Meda Gurganus; brother, James Gurganus; and sisters, Ara Poe and Nona Bagwell.

He is survived by his children, Ralph Gurganus (Ellen) and Marilyn Gober; grandchildren, Kaya, Greer and Colin Gurganus, and MaLea (Scott) Welch; and beloved great-grandson, Andrew Welch.

The family wishes to thank the magnificent, caring staff of Cordova Health and Rehab where he resided in his final years. He was cared for like family and he loved all of the staff. Special love and thanks to Sandra, Peaches, Marie, Helen Kilgore and Shirley Vines. War Eagle!

You may offer online condolences to the family at www.kilgoregreenfuneralhome.com.

Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, Jasper; 205-384-9503