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John Harden Obituary
HARDEN, JR.
1933 - 2010
The angels were singing today when our dad, John William Harden, Jr., went to his eternal home. Dad, you fought the good fight and finished the race.
"Bill" was born on October 11, 1933. He grew up in Graham, North Carolina with his parents, John W. Harden and Rachel Johnson Harden, both deceased, and loving brother, Jim. He graduated from Elon College, where he met his wife of 53 years, Louise. Bill began his career in 1957 with Eastern Airlines in Pensacola, Florida. He became an owner of Sea-Sky Travel and continued his career with AAA Travel in Sarasota, Florida. They made their home in Sarasota for many years and enjoyed wonderful friendships. In recent years, Bill and Louise moved to Pensacola to be near their family. Before his illness, Bill enjoyed fishing and golf. He was a gifted woodworker and well-known for his beautiful birdhouses. He was always generous with his talents. Bill was always involved in the community and church. He was particularly active at First Baptist Church, Pensacola.
Bill was loved by his wife, Louise Hughes Harden, their daughters, Dana (John) Hoewt and Jamie (Carter) Barrett of Atlanta. He was also cherished by his grandchildren, Haley and Alexandra Hoewt and Eleanor and Cornelia Barrett. He will be missed by his brother, Jim (Marianne), his sister-in-law, Eloise Hughes Shell (Thurston), and brother-in-law, Garnett L. Hughes (Donna), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dad, we will miss you. Your life was an example of courage and preseverance.
The family will have a visitation on Saturday at 3 pm, at First Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida with a memorial service following at 4 pm in Pleitz Chapel with Dr. Barry Howard leading the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ROC or Samaritan Hands Ministry, First Baptist Church, 500 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501.
"My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Harden
July 11, 2010
My precious friend Louise, I just heard of Bill's passing away tonight on Facebook. I will be getting in touch with you real soon. Bill was such a kind and gentle man, and my heart aches for you and your children! I pray Jesus will keep His arms around you so tightly that you will feel His loving embrace!
My sincere love, Jean Askew
Rosenda Calloway
June 28, 2010
Dear Harden Family,
It was with great sadness to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with him at the AAA office in Sarasota and have very fond memories of him as a wonderful co-worker. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Robert (Bob) Peterson
June 13, 2010
My condolences to Mrs. Harden and family.
I worked at EAL PNS when Bill was hired by
Mr. Gibbs to replace me when I was transferring to TLH so I could finish College at FSU. I got to know Bill as I would go out and have coffee with the guys and Mr. Gibbs on my return trips home. They were the best that I have worked with, and most, maybe all, are now
gone. Mr. Gibbs, George Allen, Boley Morgan, John Barnes, Felton Roberts, Bill
Miller and all the rest. Working for Eastern was a valuable education in and
of itself. I remember and think of them often.
Diana McFarlane
June 11, 2010
Dana, you and your family will be in our prayers, asking for peace at this time of need. God's peace and understanding be with you always. Love Diana McFarlane (Lincoln Park)
Patty and Rodney Taylor
June 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Bill.
James A. Harden Jr.
June 11, 2010
Dear Aunt Louise,Jamie and Dana,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We love you Uncle Bill.
We love you: Jimmy,Susan and Devan Harden
Kathy Harden-Moseley
June 11, 2010
Uncle Bill, you will be missed.~You will be remembered by me with that smile always on your face, a man of strength, a man who always looked at the cup half full and not half empty..Thank you for the memories..for the trips to Florida, to the beach. I remember as a little girl, I wouldn't let anyone take me in the ocean but you and Dana.. I also remember your patience of not half killing Jamie and I, as we almost burned your house down!!! I love you and will miss you deeply..I love you Aunt Louise, Dana and Jamie..May GOD wrap his love and peace around you at this difficult time. I thank my SAVIOR for dying on the cross and knowing my Uncle is NEW AGAIN~ In CHRIST name...Kathy (Ron, Noah and Ryan)
Rick Gill
June 11, 2010
Dear Dana, Jamie and Louise,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember the times Bill and I would talk about planes, particulary, on my part, because of my dad's and my own love of flying and because Eastern was my "favorite" airline, having known of it going back to elementary school days!
I'm sure Frank Gibbs is already showing him around in heaven to introduce him to other airline employees and airplane inventors from generations gone by.
Love y'all,
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