Mike M. "Big Mike" Hardinger

Mike Melvin Hardinger, 66, of Chattanooga, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 18, 2024.
Mike was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on April 19th, 1957, into a small rural family to the late Charlie Thomas and Mary Ruth Hardinger. His brother, John Clayton Hardinger, sister, Nancy Kathy Helms and brother-in-law, Darrell Helms precede him in death.
Mike was a 1975 graduate of Sylvania High School, where his love of football began. In 1977, he graduated from the United Electronic Institute in Birmingham, Alabama and took his first job at Texas Instruments in Houston, Texas. It was at this point, in Texas, where his three greatest joys in life happened: his daughters. His successful career as a network engineer took him to such places as Superior Oil, Exxon-Mobil, Solvay Polymers and Unum here in Chattanooga, where he retired in 2018. Mike also enjoyed teaching his trade and spent many years teaching electronics at the Local IBEW through JATC.
Mike was a member at New Liberty Baptist Church and had an immense love for the Lord. He enjoyed reading his bible daily, teaching Sunday school and spending time with the youth group - especially as his daughters grew up. His favorite bible reading was Psalm 23.
Best known as "Big Mike," he never met a stranger. With a strong handshake and a big smile, he always made a friend anywhere he went. He loved football (Roll Tide!) and anything John Deere, but what he cherished more than anything else in this world was his three girls; His pride and joy. He will be greatly missed.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his daughter, Jill Johnston (Zak) - granddaughter, Sophie Johnston; daughter, Becky Murphy (Brendan); daughter, Kati Heath (Matt) – grandchildren, Levi, Dawson and Della Heath; cousin, Richard Hardinger and many other family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow in the chapel with Pastor Danny Henson officiating.
Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.