Byron Joseph Hardbower

Byron Joseph Hardbower was born in Alexandria Hospital (downtown Alexandria) on January 26, 1956, to his parents, Frederick Joseph and Luzon Mitchell Hardbower. Byron is a native and third generation Alexandrian, calling Alexandria home his entire life. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management from Northern Virginia Community College. He and his father were in the residential construction business, running Hardbower Enterprises, Inc, for many decades. Byron grew up in Braddock Baptist Church where he made his profession of faith and was baptized at the age of 19, alongside his father. Later, he met and married his beloved wife, Dianne. Together they had three wonderful children, Dana Michelle, Mitchell Joseph, and Beth Joelle. As babies, all three were dedicated to the Lord at BBC, and later he had the privilege of witnessing Dana’s profession of faith and baptism there. In 2001, they moved their church membership to First Baptist Church of Alexandria. In their second year at FBCA, they began teaching Sunday School – Byron primarily in the 5th grade boys’ class for 18 years – until retiring from teaching because of the COVID pandemic. While at FBCA, he had the privilege of witnessing Mitchell’s and Beth’s professions of faith and baptisms. Byron enjoyed fishing in the Northern Neck area with his grandparents, parents, wife, and children. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia with his father, brother, and son. He was dedicated to his parents and his wife and his children. Byron put God first and lived his life trying his best to serve Him. He was a life-long Bible learner and sought opportunities to share his faith with his family and others. His life Bible verse was Micah 6:8. Byron is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dianne, who is originally from Miami, Florida and moved to Northern Virginia at the age of eight. Their children are Dana & Zac Elmore of Hurdle Mills, NC, Mitchell of Rocky Mount, VA, and Beth & Danny Maupin of King George, VA. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip and his wife, Virginia, of Manassas, Virginia. Byron has four terrific grandchildren, Rosemary & Pearson Elmore, and Danny “Trip” & Joelle Maupin. Additionally, he leaves behind many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Byron’s favorite children’s home - the Hope Tree Family Services in Salem, Virginia. The family would appreciate your prayers at this sorrowful time.

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Byron Joseph Hardbower

January 26, 1956 - July 6, 2026