He faced criticism in the 1980s for questions over his campaign finance practices.[2] In 1998, he retired hours before the deadline to file nominating petitions, allowing his son Anthony Hardy Williams the opportunity to run unopposed for his father's 8th senatorial district seat.[3] The younger Williams had already filed his nominating petitions to run for his House seat, so he remained on both ballots. He resigned his House seat when he won both elections simultaneously.[4]
Hardy Williams died on January 7, 2010, at the Kearsley Home in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.[5][6]
^"IN PA. CAMPAIGN-FINANCE DISCLOSURES, ALL IS NOT CLEAR". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 1987-05-01. In 1985, state Sen. Hardy Williams rented a building on the 5100 block of Walnut Street in West Philadelphia to house his legislative office and his campaign headquarters. The bill for the year was $18,725. Half the money came from the taxpayers, from a Senate account that pays the rent on district offices. Half came from Williams' campaign fund, money contributed by individuals and political action committees to help his re-election effort.
