Mr. Robert Allen Harden, Jr., 93, of Eden, North Carolina, died on September 30th, 2015, at Morehead Nursing Center.
A memorial service will be held at Leaksville United Methodist Church, Eden, NC, on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 3 pm. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, October 9, at Fair Funeral Home.
Mr. Harden was born September 2, 1922, in Burke County, Georgia, to Robert A. and Beulah Estelle Campbell Harden. During his ages of 2 through 16 the family resided in Birmingham (Homewood), Alabama, and then relocated to Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Greenville Senior High School in 1940.
He was a 1948 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering.
His education was interrupted with service during WWII in the Army Air Corps. He enlisted December 8, 1941, the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, and was discharged with the rank of Captain in 1945. He was a member of the original 58th Bomb Wing of the 20th Air Force, equipped with B-29 Bombers, deployed to the Southeast Asia and then Pacific Theaters, participating in 25 long-range missions, most being over the Japanese Homeland. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, surviving combat and military service with only scratches despite two emergency parachute jumps, one of those necessitating living with a Chinese family for six weeks while awaiting rescue.
Upon graduation from Georgia Tech he was employed as a Project Engineer with the Martha Mills Division of B.F. Goodrich Tire Company in Thomaston, Georgia, for 5 years, and then with Fieldcrest Mills Inc. in Eden, North Carolina, for 32 years. He started as a Project Engineer and retired in 1985 as Director of Engineering.
Bob was a devoted member of Leaksville United Methodist Church since locating in the community in 1953, serving in many capacities but primarily for numerous terms as a member and/or chairman of the Trustees. Even after retirement from active participation from long habit he continued to check for burned out bulbs and peeling paint whenever entering the sanctuary. He was also a faithful member of the Chancel Choir for over 40 years, and after retiring, to the chagrin of his wife, still sang along with the choir?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s anthem, in a sotto voice, while in the congregation.
Bob expressed grateful thanks to those who, literally, packed his parachutes, and to his family and others who performed, figuratively, similar activities which shaped his life and character.
He is survived by Mary Jean Pettit Harden, his wife of 68 years; children, Martha Jean Harden Smith and her husband, George Davidson Smith, of Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, and Sue Anne Harden Oakley and her husband, Robert Carson Oakley, Jr., of Fountain Hills, Arizona; granddaughters Georgia Rebecca Estelle Smith Stratton and her husband, Russell William Stratton, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Caroline Susannah Louise Smith of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and nephew Jack Campbell Harden, Jr., of Hickory, NC, and niece Mary Beth Harden Morgan, of Brunswick, Georgia, and their families. He was predeceased by his father and mother, and by his brother, Jack Campbell Harden and his sister-in-law, Mildred Bagwell Harden, of Hickory, NC.
Bob?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s daughters gratefully acknowledge Dr. Terry Daniel and the dedicated staff of the Morehead Nursing Center for the compassionate care of their daddy for the past two years. They also thank the many friends and neighbours who supported Bob with visits, cards, and telephone calls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Capital Fund of Leaksville United Methodist Church, 603 Henry Street, Eden, NC 27288, or to the charity of one?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s choice.
We would like to express our sorrow and condolences to the Harden family. We were honored and blessed to have known your father. He was a wonderful man and the best neighbor! He will be missed but we will cherish our memories. Sincerely, Myra and H. C. Phillips
Myra Phillips
Dear Harden Family,
I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I have may fond memories of Bob and Jean and all of their service to LUMC. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Beth Futrell Pullilam
We send all the family our sympathy for we know how loved Bob was. He had a quick wit and great intelligence. We feel blessed to have called he and Jean our friends for the last fifteen years or so. Bob was a devoted servant to his family, his church, and his community! Much love and sympathy, Ruth and Dan LeeperL2Y
Ruth and Dan Leeper
So sorry to hear of Mr. Harden's passing. I lived across the street from him while growing up. He was always a nice man. I would also like to say thank you to Mrs. Harden and all of their family for Mr. Harden's service during the war. His sacrifice helped keep America free. My prayers are with you all.
JIm Spain
Jean, Martha, and Sue, WC and I were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy and WC Wrangham
Nancy Sherrill Wrangham
I am very sad to hear of Mr. Harden's passing. What a blessing to have the legacy of the good man and good father that Mr. Harden was. Mrs. Harden, Martha, and Sue: I know you and your whole family will greatly miss him. Thinking of you all.
With kindest thoughts and prayers,
Sara Haynes Mathis
Sara Mathis
Martha & Sue,
So sorry I wasn't able to be there today. I have many fond memories of your Daddy while growing up. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Stacey
Stacey Revels
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