It brings a sad heart when remembering someone who played an important role in your life, and for the first time, having to use the word “was.”
William M. Harvill passed away this past Wednesday, after courageously fighting the unwinnable battle against ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
How devastating is ALS? Over the 2023 Christmas holidays, Billy, and his circle of life-long buddies, celebrated their annual holiday get-together. Everything seemed fine, but in only months the symptoms took away Billy’s freedom of movement, communication, and self-independence. Billy’s wife, Sharon, became his above-and-beyond angel.
Word of the loss spread with the simple message, “Did you hear about Billy?” It did not require a last name. When the realization set in, the memories came rushing forward recalling the faithful friend, business associate, and trusted confidant Billy was. Those who loved Billy and his zest for life found comfort in the moments and laughter shared during summers on the lake, Alabama football games, so many stories that over time will grow even more endearing, as my dad said, “It was all good.”
Billy and Mike Strong were grade-school classmates, were together at Homewood High School, and moved on to UA in Tuscaloosa. Billy would become Mike’s CPA, and the original Mike Strong & Associates grew with his contributions over the years. When Mike retired, it was Billy who took the reins and led the agency to prominence as The Intermark Group.
For me, losing the friend so close to our family that I called him “Uncle Billy” (he always greeted me with a smile and “Hey Johnny Boy”), kindled fond thoughts of his voice, laughter, swag, and above all, the influence his character and wisdom had in shaping my career.
During my college days, I saw Billy at a local barbeque joint where he greeted me, “Hey Johnny Boy, how’s it going?” I told him I couldn’t hack Accounting. His advice, “You can get anyone to do your books, just earn enough money to pay someone.” I told him about a degree in Public Speaking, and he jumped on it, “If you can give a speech in front of the public and do it well, you can do something 98% of people are more afraid of than dying!” Billy set the bar, and more than ever I will strive for 2%.
When deciding how to start my career in advertising, it was a conversation in Billy’s office where he suggested Martin Advertising. He knew David Martin ran a top-notch operation, and even if Strong Automotive seemed an obvious choice, Billy urged me to go find a different direction than some might have predicted. His direction has done me very well
My last visit with Billy was in my office. He came to see me at a time I had ruffled a few feathers, and what he said will stick with me forever: “You have got to start thinking about your legacy, how you want to be remembered. What is your legacy going to be?”
We are told in our life there will only be a special few who earn the distinction of friendship beyond question. My short list lost a good one…RIP Uncle Billy.