JOHN HAROLD HARDEN JR.

John Harold Harden Jr., 66, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Born on July 16, 1955, he was a son of the late retired U.S. Army Col. John Harold Harden Sr. and Lucille Pritchard Harden. Mr. Harden was a member of Sumter First Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Clemson University and served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Mr. Harden owned and operated Harden Construction Co. and later retired from the S.C. Department of Transportation. John was an avid motorcyclist and had traveled to all 50 states by motorcycle.  He enjoyed building and woodworking and was in the process of building his dream home in Sumter.  He loved all kinds of music and muscle cars.  He had restored a 1957 Corvette. 

Mr. Harden is survived by his sister, Dr. Elizabeth A. Harden and her husband, Dr. Richard A. Hoefer, of Charleston.  John had many close friends that comprised his "Sumter Family." He was loved by all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Blaire Whitney Harden.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Sumter First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Dan Barber officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Sumter, 107 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 and Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter oversees the arrangements.