I will be strong and courageous I will not be terrified, or discouraged: for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go. Joshua 1:9
Mr. Edsel “Blake” Hardin, age 77, Jonesborough, passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Johnson City Medical Center.
Mr. Hardin was born in Unicoi County and lived in Washington County and son of the late Frank & Florence E. Sparks Hardin. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a step-son, Chris Barnes and a brother, Dean Hardin.
He was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Hardin was a United States Army Veteran having served as a Nurse. He was also an LPN at Memorial Hospital in Johnson City. He was a retired Johnson City Police Officer and a member of The Fraternal Order of Police.
He enjoyed coaching girls’ softball at Persimmon Ridge Park in Jonesborough.
Whether it was to Blake, Daddy, Grumps or Papaw, Blake Hardin answered to them all. Blake loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and friends. His endless unconditional love made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Survivors include his wife, Janice M. Whitt Hardin, Jonesborough; daughters, DeAnn Smith, Jonesborough, Linda Van Dyke and husband B.J., Limestone and Nikki Bennett, Jonesborough; sons, Terry Hardin and wife Janet, Johnson City and John Hardin, Alaska; step-son, Jimmy Barnes, Jonesborough; brother, Dallas Hardin and wife Helen, Limestone; sister, Phyllis Phillips and husband Wayne, Johnson City; and eleven grandchildren, Andrew “Andy” Hardin, Samantha Hardin, Jesse Hardin, Kathryn Carver, Regina Roberts, Victoria Beth Van Dyke, Damien Bennett, Treyton Hardin, Jamie Horton, Crystal Barnes and Madisson Barnes; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the Johnson City Medical Center Staff for their wonderful care.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 PM Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Ponder and Dallas Hardin officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday prior to the service.
Interments services will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday, February 28, 2014 at Monte Vista Burial Park.
Pallbearers will be Jesse Hardin, Chad Carver, Dale Hardin, B.J. Van Dyke, Shine Hardin, Jim Kyte, Private Andrew Hardin and Damien Bennett. Honorary pallbearers will be Burlon Hardin, Roger Sparks, Buddy Hardin, D.H. Byrd and Jimmy Barnes.
Family request in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.