George Edward Hardin, 81, of Eupora, a United States Air Force Veteran and longtime resident of Grenada, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation and funeral service will be held at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17, 2024.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 chapel service, with an interment with military honors following at the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael at 1 p.m.

Born in Grenada on April 6, 1943, George spent his childhood in Charleston, Mississippi. Inspired by the example of his uncles, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, serving from 1960 to 1964. His military career took him across North America, with assignments at Goose Bay Air Force Base in Canada, March Air Reserve Base in California, and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. He served in various roles, including cook and Military Air Police, often recalling with humor that life as the cook was far more exciting.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, George returned to Grenada, where he built a fulfilling life and career. In 1965, George married the love of his life, the late Terry Philley. Together, they built a marriage anchored in faith, love, and devotion, raising two children, Cynthia and Brent.

Professionally, he worked at McQuay (later Heatcraft, now Modine) before becoming a commercial truck driver. In the 1970s, he hauled glass for Binswanger to New York City and later transported agricultural products throughout the region. In 1975, George founded Grenada Tarp and Upholstery, where his skill and dedication became a trusted resource in the community. His success in business was directly attributed to his work ethic, and George took pride in the fact that he always left his customers satisfied. Over the years, he operated several businesses until his retirement in 1992.

After raising their children and closing the businesses in Grenada, Terry and George later resided in Houston, Texas and enjoyed all life had to offer there. Never one to sit idle, George came out of retirement in his later years to drive a school bus, enjoying the connections he made along the way and being able to give back to the next generation in his community. George and Terry's 58 years of matrimony and companionship continued until Terry's passing in April 2023.

As a man, George found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was a lover of classic country music, especially the songs of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Charlie Daniels. He enjoyed watching basketball tournaments and found peace in the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing. A three-time cancer survivor, George credited his faith in Jesus Christ and the love of his family for the strength that carried him through life's trials.

Following Terry's passing, he spent his final months back at home in Mississippi in the care of his daughter Cynthia and her partner Doug, surrounded by the family he cherished.

George is survived by his children, Cynthia Hardin of Eupora and Brent Hardin of Houston, Texas; his grandchildren, Colt (Kayla) Tabor of Grenada and Angel Tabor of Winona; his great-grandson, Ozzy Tabor, and bonus great-grandson, Landon Weaver, both of Grenada. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Jean (Ray) Parker of Salinas, California, Frances (Rufus) Ingram of Guntown, Mississippi, and Shirley (John) Newman of Canton, Ohio, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Terry, parents, Clifton Carl Hardin and Blanche Marie Hardin (Johnson); his brothers, Russell Hardin and Donnie Hardin; and sister Louise (Jimmy) Newton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in George's memory be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.