William (Bill) Rodney Hartshorn

William Rodney Hartshorn

William (Bill) Hartshorn passed away August 3, 2022 at his home in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Bill was born May 8, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Robert Hartshorn, mother Leah Kathryn Hartshorn, brother Robert Edward Hartshorn and wife Delores May Hartshorn.

Bill is survived by his daughter Debra Lee Hartshorn of North Augusta, South Carolina, sons William Steven Hartshorn of Winter Springs, Florida and Charles Raymond Hartshorn of Rosenberg, Texas as well as 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Bill graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1954. He worked for 39 years at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina until his retirement in 1993.

During his working years he lived in North Augusta, South Carolina where he was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. His church roles included serving on the vestry, being a lay reader and singing in the choir. As a member of the community, he supported youth football and blood drive.

In 1993 he and his wife Dee made Fernandina Beach, Florida their home where he became active in the community. He supported the library board and shared his passion for genealogy by helping others trace their family history.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling in the United States and Europe and was able to include genealogy research on some of the trips.  He was an avid runner and transitioned to stationary biking later in life to stay fit.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church from 1993 to 2022. Bill was a compassionate and tender caregiver for his wife during her last years. His family will remember him always. His ashes will be interred at St. Peter’s Church at a later date.

Donations can be made to Nassau County Public Library or the Barnabas Center.