AUGUSTA, Ga. - George Harding, beloved husband of Carolyn Laborde Harding, entered into rest on August 13, 2008, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Mr. Harding was born in 1919 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and raised in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the US Army 1st Calvary in 1938, attended OCS, after which he was attached to the 12th Armored Division. He served in World War II in Germany as Company Commander of the 714 Tank Battalion. The 12th Army was then attached to the 3rd Army under Patton. He was a veteran of WWII and Korea. His duties took him to Guam, Japan, Korea, and Germany, as well as numerous posts in the US. He proudly served his country for 20 years as a soldier, officer, and gentleman. He earned a host of medals and commendations including the Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars. George Harding, affectionately known as "Ben", was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and friend to many. As a father he was a model to his children and grandchildren for his constancy to duty caring for others. As a friend he dedicated himself to visiting the sick, always bringing cheer with his wry sense of humor. He will be remembered for this ever-present sense of humor, his devotion to family, but especially for his thoughtfulness toward others. He also enjoyed hunting and bowling. Parking cars at the Masters was a joy he looked forward to each year. He met many people from around the world with whom he continued to correspond. His daughter, Deloris Marie, parents George I. and Hildred, and brother William "Bill", precede him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 66 years, Carolyn, as well as daughter Elaine Harding Elias of Monroe, LA, 2 sons, George Michael of Houston, TX, and James Daniel of Saipan, 6 grand and 13 great grandchildren. Three siblings, brother, Hank, 2 sisters, Bernice Cota and Doris Harding also survive him. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary on-the-Hill Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Van Alstine celebrant. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park with full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Catholic Social Services, 811 12th St., Augusta, GA 30901 or to the GA War Veterans Nursing Home Patients Fund, 1101 15th St., Augusta, GA 30901. The Vigil for the Deceased will be held Friday, August 15, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. and the family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. www.thomaspoteet.com Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
The Augusta Chronicle-August 15, 2008
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