George Edward Harden Sr.

George Harden, 75, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1949, in Staunton, Virginia, to Melva Dean Harden. George received his primary education from the Augusta County School System of Staunton, VA, and was a 1968 Buffalo Gap High School graduate. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Kentucky State University in 1971. George continued his pursuit of an academic foundation by completing his Master's degree in Counseling from James Madison University.
During his developmental years, George valued and received guidance from his family and community, including his mother, Melva Dean; his grandmother, Ollie Doak; his grandfather, Henry Houston Harden; his aunt, Virginia Hill; and his uncles, William Harden, George A. Harden Sr., Charles Harden, and Ernest Hill. The values of work ethic, character, and discipline were emphasized and instilled in him, shaping his ability to make a meaningful impact on his community.
While in high school, George met Kay Sparrow, and they married in 1970, sharing a life filled with love and commitment. Together, they built a family that George cherished deeply.
George was passionate about working in his community. His career began at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in 1971. In 1979, he moved to Virginia Beach, where he worked for The Planning Council and retired in 2014. George was well-known throughout the Hampton Roads Area and became a respected figure on many committees. He was a leader who modeled the mission to "identify community needs, connect people with solutions, and improve lives." George was often invited to make presentations to the General Assembly in Richmond, VA, where his voice was valued for its wisdom and expertise.
George valued and enjoyed his community involvement as 'Coach Harden' for the Plaza Chiefs and as an active member of 'Men of Faith.' He remained true to his character, regardless of his location or the roles he took on.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Henry Houston Harden; grandmother, Ollie Doak; his brother, Henry Frederick Harden; his uncle, Ernest Hill; his mother, Melva Dean Smith; his stepfather, Robert Smith; his brother-in-law, Theodore Sparrow; and his aunt, Virginia Hill.
George leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Kay; his three children, George Jr. (Kristi), Kimberley, and Theodore (Tyrah); nine grandchildren, Jasmine Vaughn (DeVaughn), Kia Harden, Kayce Owens, Kylen Harden, Georgia Harden, Noah Walke, Houston Harden, Hassan Harden, and Eden Harden; and three great-grandchildren, Peyton Vaughn, Riley Vaughn, and Dorian Vaughn. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeffrey Smith (Marion), Gregory Smith, and Velma Henry (Roy), along with a host of other relatives, including sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
George's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His kindness, commitment to service, and dedication to his family have left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and service will continue to inspire.