Reverend Howard H. Hardin, age 88

Reverend Howard H. Hardin, age 88, of Mooresboro, NC, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, May 6, 2016.

Born May 16, 1927 in Rutherford County, he was a son to the late Dewey Hardin and Annie Haulk Hardin. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a Missionary Methodist Pastor in Rutherford County for fifty years and worked for Cone Mills and Burlington Industries for many years. He enjoyed writing poetry, golfing, collecting bottles and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Howard was currently attending the First Wesleyan Church of Forest City. He was truly a faithful servant of the Lord.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Hazel M. Hardin, two sons, Greg Hardin and Roger Hardin; one sister, Frances Brantley and brother, Ron Hardin.

Survivors include two daughters, Lou Ann Hodge and husband, Wilbur of Rutherfordton and Patti Spencer and husband, Chris of Forest City; four sisters, Dorothy DeBrule and husband, Dever, Helen Davis, Peggy Hardin and Susie Hardin all of Forest City; three brothers, Hubert Hardin and wife, Jean, Arnold "Mick" Hardin and wife, Linda and Tim Hardin also of Forest City. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the First Wesleyan Church of Forest City w/Rev Eric Yelton, Rodger Hall and Lamar Hewitt officiating. Interment followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.