NED HARDIN Surrounded by his family and friends, Ned Hardin went to be with his Heavenly Father on August 7, 2013. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday on August 11. Ned was beloved for his serene nature and his unwavering faith. The youngest of four children born to Henry Grady Hardin and Maude Elizabeth Vance Hardin in Slate Springs, Mississippi, Neds upbringing on the family farm trained him in hard and honest work, qualities that would stand him in good stead for his whole life. At an early age Ned exhibited the characteristics and talents that would be the hallmarks of his life. He and his older brother engineered dams in the creek that ran through the farm. Ned, for his whole life, was fascinated by how things worked. His talent for engineering and his great regard for his mother spurred him to invent devices that made her homemaking tasks easier. Neds isolated and ordered world of family and farming in Calhoun County was shattered with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Neds high school senior year was shortened by a semester when he joined the U. S. Army in 1943. When Ned enlisted in the Army, he was first assigned to the 90th Infantry in the 89th Division. Later, he was assigned to the 290th Infantry in the 75th Division where he saw his first combat on Christmas Day 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge. Ned fought in the battle, like so many other soldiers, with leggings and boots that were soaked with snow and then became frozen. After being pulled from the line, Ned realized he was suffering with frostbite. He returned home and spent eight months undergoing many surgeries and learning to walk again, having lost most of his toes. He was honorably discharged in 1945, having received a Purple Heart. After returning home to Calhoun County, Ned realized that because of the severity of his injury he would not be able to farm as his father and grandfather had before him. The opportunity to attend Ross Collins Vocational School in Meridian allowed Ned to begin training for a new career and was also where he met his future wife Sarah Ruth McDonald. They were married on July 3, 1949 at Carolina Presbyterian Church in Neshoba County. Soon after they were married, Ned and Sarah moved to Columbus, their home for the next 64 years. Ned found his lifes work as an appliance repair technician and later as owner of Ned Hardin Appliance Center. For many years his business was located at the corner of College Street and Catfish Alley. The business relocated to 224 Fifth Street South where it remained until Ned retired in 1991. For over forty years, Ned Hardin Appliance mirrored the characteristics of its owner: skilled, honest, and trustworthy. Ned and Sarahs family grew when a daughter, Hope, and a son, Terrell were born. Ned and Sarah were devoted parents, instilling a love of reading in both children. Their family also included son-in-law Marc De Venney and grandson Adam De Venney and his wife Katie Ingram De Venney. Ned is also survived by his sister Odean Helms of Slate Springs, five nieces and one nephew. Ned was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Adrain, and his infant grandchildren Chad Matthew, Mary Elizabeth, and Joshua Jason. For over 35 years Ned and Sarah worked lovingly and tirelessly to restore their antebellum home White Arches where they welcomed hundreds of guests to the Pilgrimage and their bed and breakfast. Ned was devoted to his faith and to his church. His faith was deep and strong, allowing him to face life with a profound confidence in his Lord. Ned served his church as a deacon and life deacon. He particularly enjoyed mission trips to Florida, Alaska, and New Jersey that allowed him to use his considerable electrician and carpentry skills. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 9 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside service will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 829, Columbus, MS 39703. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers are Dr. Jim Dowdle, Sanford (Bubber) Pullen, Wesley Platt, Harry Dowdle, Steve Watson, Eddie Helms, and Glenn Lautzenhiser. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Charlie Holcomb, M.L. McCarty, Bob Boland, Howard, Robertson, and Eldon Barham, members of Glenn Lautzenhisers Sunday School Class, and the deacons and life deacons of First Baptist Church.
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