Pastor Earl Hardin

Pastor Earl Kenneth Hardin, 74, of China Grove, entered into his Heavenly reward on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. Pastor Hardin was born on Aug. 25, 1943 in Rowan County, son of the late Grady N. Hardin and the late Eula Baynard Hardin. In addition to his parents, Pastor Hardin was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Tickle. Pastor Hardin had worked for Pillowtex Corporation for 38 years. In addition to his employment with Pillowtex, he ministered for 48 years at Kannapolis Congregational Holiness Church. Survivors include his wife, Janice Speck Hardin who he married on Nov. 24, 1962; two daughters; Kathy Cordle and Crystal Cheek (Mitchell) of Kannapolis; four grandchildren; a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter; four sisters, Maxine Haywood, Joyce Royal, Lennie Haywood and Alice Featherstone and her husband, Sonny, all of Kannapolis; and his brothers, Henry Hardin (Doris), Gene Hardin (Reba) and Jerry Hardin (Seretta). Visitation and Service: The funeral will take place at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by Rev. Jeff Upright and Rev. Mike Tickle. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove. The family will receive friends from 12-1:30 p.m., before the service at Whitley's. Online condolences can be left at: www.whitleysfuneralhome.com