Msgt. Ben Harding, Usaf (Ret.)

Ben Harding, 81, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Heart of Georgia Hospice with his wife by his side.

Ben was born on September 5, 1937 in Crossnore, North Carolina to the late Arthur and Gladys Harding. A graduate of Crossnore High School, he bravely drove his classmates on the school bus through the mountain roads. Ben joined the United States Air Force at the age of 19 where he served as a Boom operator, weather equipment technician and was an in-flight refueling operator/superintendent, and meteorological equipment repairer for the 19th Bomb Wing (SAC). In 1978, he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Ben enjoyed umpiring and refereeing for all kinds of high school sports in Houston County, loved airplanes and spending time with his family. A few years following his military retirement, he worked for Raytheon. With his job there, he was stationed in Germany from 1984 to 1989 where he enjoyed the sport of volksmarching as he walked 6000 kilometers over 5 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Harding.

Ben’s memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 40 years, Luzia W. Harding of Warner Robins; children, Michael Smith of Warner Robins, Caroline Schaefer of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeffrey Harding, Gloria Smith, and Shirley Harding, all of Warner Robins; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Jan Allison (Morgan).

Visitation will be Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Rev. David Miller officiating. After the service, Ben will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Mr. Harding to the Salvation Army, 96 Thomas Blvd, Warner Robins, GA 31093 or Heart of Georgia Hospice Inpatient Unit, 1120 Morningside Dr., Perry, GA 31069.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Harding’s arrangements.