William H. Harden Sr., 86
William H. Harden Sr., 86, passed away peacefully April 8.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lillian Grace Harden, a sister, Margaret Harden Phillips; brother, Thomas Henry Harden, Jr.; mother, Madge Nutter Harden; father, Thomas Henry Harden, Sr.
Survivors include sons, Charles Thomas Harden of Hixson, William Howell Harden Jr. (Darlene) of Lenoir City, twins, Kevin Edward Harden Sr. (Janet) of Murfreesboro and Karen Harden Warnick (Bruce) of Knoxville; brother, Charles Fenton Harden of Pittsburgh, Pa.; sister, Marjorie Francis Hardman of Cross City, Fla.; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his close friend and companion Jeanette Kemper of Oak Ridge.
He was born March 17, 1922 in Spencer, W. Va. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees), in the Pacific Theatre. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. After being honorably discharged, he married his pre-war sweetheart, Lillian Grace Essex, from Providence, R.I. Bill spent over 35 years with Carrier in McMinnville until his retirement in 1987. Bill was an avid square dancer, golfer, and was twice elected president of the Tennessee state Association of Square and Round Dancers. He was currently president of the McMinnville-Warren County Senior Citizens Center and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of McMinnville. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and pop, and was admired by many.
The Harden family will receive friends from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home. Military grave rites will be administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173 today at 5:30 p.m. at McMinnville Funeral Home. Interment will be held at a later date at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McMinnville-Warren County Senior Citizens Center. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.