Mrs. Kay Hardin, age 84, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Madison County, North Carolina, on November 17, 1941, to the late Leonard and Elma Rice. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Burlon Ralph Hardin; brothers, Sheryl Rice and Geryl Rice; great-granddaughter, Morgan Jade Cansler; and sister-in-law, Peggy Rice.
When her health allowed, Kay enjoyed attending McCarty Methodist Church. She had a special love for bluegrass music and enjoyed listening to Burlon play the guitar with friends on Friday nights. Kay loved watching hummingbirds, crafting, gardening, and spending time caring for the things she had grown and nurtured.
Kay was a wonderful cook and took great pride in preparing meals for her family. She enjoyed gardening and canning, preserving the fruits of her labor and sharing them with those she loved. Her home was a place where family, food, laughter, and love were always welcome.
Above all else, Kay loved her family and is survived by her son, Earl Hardin (Debbie) of Greeneville; granddaughters, Sheri Lamons (Randy) of Mosheim and Aley Hardin (Daniel) of Jonesborough; great-grandchildren, Jordan Lamons (Megan) of Mosheim, Jonah Lamons (Makayla) of Mosheim, Alek Cansler of Greeneville, Katlyn Austin of Mosheim, Braedyn Willett of Greeneville, and Ava Willett of Greeneville; great-great grandchildren, Cora-Lynn Lamons, Nora Kay Lamons, Clara Ann Lamons, and Annie Rose Lamons all of Mosheim; step-great great grandchildren, Elijah Cobble and Abigail Webb; brothers, James Rice of Jonesborough and Charles Rice (Mildred) of Jonesborough; several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, prior to the service.
Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, August 31, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Anyone who wants to go in procession to the cemetery is asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 9:15 AM.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Condolences may be sent to the Hardin family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
