Steve Gary Hardin

Steve Gary Hardin, 76, of Sylva, was serenaded into the presence of Jesus on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and dog Jetter.

He was born December 30, 1948, in Andrews, NC, to the late Gay and Lola Joe Hardin. In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by two sisters, three brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his beloved furry friends: Hank, George, Max, Buttercup, and BJ.

Steve’s personal time was spent as a devoted husband, father, papaw, father-in-law, and friend. He enjoyed every moment spent with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He devoted his life to his family, always working hard and making countless sacrifices to ensure they were supported and cared for. His home was always open to anyone in need of a hot meal, a place to stay, or simply a family to belong to.

Steve was a man of many talents. He could build any wooden creation and fix anything that required fixing. He made the best biscuits, country gravy, and chocolate fudge around. When he wasn’t with his family, he could be found restoring old trucks and cars. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races with his grandsons and sons-in-law on Sunday afternoons. He loved listening to George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Hank Williams on car rides and will forever be remembered for always hitting the low notes.

Steve is survived by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Barbara; his brother Robert “Spike” Hardin (Frances) of Andrews; his daughters Lisa Broom (Gary), Jenny Page (Adam), and Amanda Boone (Jason), all of Sylva; his grandchildren Steven Broom (LeeAnne), Trevor Broom (Billie), Madison Pickens (Daniel), Matthew Boone (Ashlynn), Meredith Gilbert (Cory), and Nicole Boone (McCray); his great-grandchildren Lane, Hayden, Blakelli, Maisie, and Ellie; and his 22 grand-dogs. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Micheal Queen and Rev. Aaron Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00–1:00 p.m. prior to the service. A burial for close family and friends will follow. 

Pallbearers as named Steven Broom, Trevor Broom, Matthew Boone, Jackson Lovedahl, Daniel Pickens, Cory Gilbert, McCray Broom; Honorary Pallbearers as named Lane Broom & Hayden Allison.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Cherokee Indian Hospital for providing Steve with compassionate and excellent care.