Larry E. Harding

Larry E. Harding, beloved husband and father, died May 8, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. at St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, WV, following a sudden, massive heart attack earlier that morning. Up until that morning he had no known health problems and was active as usual. Born October 17, 1937 in Cleveland, OH, to the late George E. “Jiggs” Harding and Vona Lewis Harding, he along with his twin brother Gary returned to Oak Hill at the age of three months. Larry remained a resident of Oak Hill the remainder of his life. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his 18 year old brother James in 1962, his maternal grandparents Homer and Gertrude Wilson Lewis and paternal grandparents William S. Harding and Mary Jane Hogg Harding. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Mathews Harding whom he met in high school and married December 31, 1959 at the Upson Downs by Rev. C. S. Donnelly and his daughter, Lori Paige Harding and fiance’, Brantley Willis of Raleigh, NC. Lori always has been “a daddy’s girl”. She was so proud of her dad as he was of her. Other survivors include his twin brother, Gary and wife, Linda of Oak Hill and their sons, Greg and Jeff; brother, George and his wife, Carole of Locust Grove, VA and their son, Steve and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends, including his family at White Oak Country Club. Larry graduated in 1955 from Collins High School and began working for the Long Company (Long-Airdox). Mr. John B. Long owner sent him to college while he worked there. He obtained his BS degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery, WV. He later worked as a draftsman, chief engineer and engineering president. He traveled world wide for his company and knew may coal leaders, belonging to many coal related organizations. Larry worked with the late, legendary coach Jim Lilly to organize an elementary basketball league which Larry coached for 23 years. He still keeps in touch with some of his former players who are successful in their coaching. Some have told Larry he was their “role model.” He loved playing basketball himself and played in many church and independent leagues. He also kept the official score clock for Oak Hill basketball Red Devils for many years as well as refereeing games. After a 42 year career at Long-Airdox, Larry worked for the John B. Long Co. in Knoxville, TN and taught briefly at West Virginia Institute of Technology. Larry was a charter member of the Oak Hill High School/Collins High School Alumni Association and was a passionate supporter, serving on the board and being recognized in 2003 as an honoree for his outstanding service. Larry was active in two bowling leagues this year, having bowled in Oak Hill for over fifty years and bowling in traveling leagues. He bowled the first 700 series in Oak Hill lanes and just last year bowled a high game of 299. Larry loved golf and learned to play at Twin Oaks golf course on sand greens. His friend Bill Baker credits Larry for his first lesson at Twin Oaks. Larry lated joined White Oak Country Club in the early 70’s and has been a member ever since. For the past four years he has been president of the board of directors and enjoys taking golf trips with his “buddies.” Larry worked tirelessly for the continued success of White Oak Country Club. Larry was a 12-year member of Oak Hill City Council and worked passionately for the good of the city. He loved his Collins High School class of 1955 and planned their reunions. He was always willing to help other classes with theirs. Larry loved life; he loved people; and he never met a stranger. He was always willing to help. Anyone who knew Larry knew his wild sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, adored father and a dedicated citizen of Oak Hill who will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at the Tyree Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 with Rev. Robert Issacs officiating. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, WV. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, May 11, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. Adam Toney, Calvin Kidd, Greg Lytton, Bo Woten, Tom Booth, Larry Canterbury, Pete Srednicki and Lewis Jones will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to the Oak Hill/Collins High School Alumni Association, PO Box 462, Oak Hill, WV 25901. Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV