Clarence Randle Harding

Clarence Randle Hardin(g) passed away peacefully on the morning of July 16, 2022 under the balmy New Mexico skies after having lived an expansive, adventurous and prosperous life of 83 years. He was a resident of Timberon, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona in his later years. Clarence Randle Harding was born January 27, 1939 at the end of the Great Depression era in the deeply beautiful Appalachian American mountain community of Jamestown, Tennessee. Clarence’s wife, partner and deeply devoted love of his life of 50 years was Geraldine “Gerry” Lacey (née Mincy) Hardin(g). He is survived by three children including Mark Harding, Allison Harding-Barta and Kelly Jaress-Harding and further survived by a very large family. This includes seven (7) grandchildren Cooper Harding, Tyler Harding, Amanda Jaress, Jon Jaress, Zachary Jaress, Dr. Blake Harding and Lacey Barta and seven additional (7) great grandchildren. Clarence is further survived by Margaret Mance, Linda Watson, Karen Jenkins, Ernest Hardin and his companion of 11 years Janice Bischoff. Clarence is preceded by sisters Clotine McKinney, Reva Hurst Frizzell, Wanda Rogers, James Omar Harding, parents Varner Wesley Hardin(g), mother Nannie Bell (née Crabtree) Harding-Howe. Paternal grandparents Randolph Hardin, America Hatfield Hardin, maternal grandparents John Crabtree, Maggie Nola (née Abbott) Crabtree-Crouch. 

Clarence was born extremely resource scarce yet thrived as a curious, intelligent and driven child. He was a lifelong proud patriotic American, serving in the armed forces as an active duty Marine in 1957 – 1959. Clarence lived a life of service but rarely spoke of this inherent dedication while working his entire life in various roles. This includes as a municipal bus mechanic, laborer at 7 Up Bottling and repairing public infrastructure in Tennessee. Clarence later served in the early evolving days of electronics and cable television industries as an entrepreneur and small business owner. He had a keen sense of positive promise, especially in people and as a result he often perceived the best in others. This sense led him to be an early adopter and entrepreneur in various technological industries. He became an expert in telecommunications and in fiber optic technologies where he served in numerous professional leadership and mentorship roles. Yet, what he cared for most was community, family and service to others. This care is exemplified by his military service, his presence with others and lifelong service to the community including volunteer efforts in later years to decrease nutritional insecurity.

The funeral services to celebrate Clarence Randle Hardin(g)’s life will be held as follows: The viewing is July 29th, 2022 5pm-8pm at the Mundy Funeral Home in Jamestown. The service is 12pm July 30th, 2022 at the Mundy Funeral Home. Immediately following a ceremony will take place at the Wolf River Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 137. There will be an informal gathering to follow services on July 30th, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warriors Project are kindly suggested.

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