Max Hardin

Hardin, Max - age 77, of Knoxville, went to join his heavenly Father November 7,2011 following a lengthy illness. He was born July 27, 1934 in Shelby, NC to Nathan Smith Hardin and Lela Elizabeth Chapman. As a teenager he came to Knoxville to attend Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. He began serving pastorates while still in school and while attending Carson-Newman College. He served as music minister at Alice Bell Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Sevierville before moving to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While there he pastored a small church in Bogalusa, LA. Following graduation he returned to Knoxville in 1966 to accept a call as Minister of Music and Education at West Hills Baptist Church. He remained there until 1975 when he went to work for Church Mutual Insurance Company. While with them he worked in Knoxville, Bowling Green, KY and Dickson, TN and eventually became vice- president of the company. His love of selling led him to step down from that role and return to Knoxville. He remained in that position until the last several years. He remained a very active member of West Hills Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and was a mentor to many in church leadership. In addition he served on the board of the Knox County Baptist Association and worked actively with Hands Up for Women and was past president of his local Kiwanis Club. Max married Mary Louise Clark on August 15, 1954 and she preceded him in death on January 23, 2001. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Dolores Brown. Max was also preceded in death by his parents, sister Arizona Mae Weaver, and brother, Morris Hardin. He is survived by his sisters Myrtle Horton and Faye Woods and husband Bynum, all ofNC. He is also survived by his son David and wife Kelly Hardin of Knoxville, and daughter Susan and husband Bob Sullivan of Hendersonville, TN. Max had six grandchildren - Robert Hardin and wife Amber, Emily Hardin, Brian Hardin, Jason Sullivan, Colleen Sullivan and Roger Sullivan. He had two great-granddaughters, Savannah and Jaydence Hardin. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 at West Hills Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service. There will be a 4pm Thursday Interment at Emma Jarnagin Cemetery in Morriston. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: West Hills Baptist Church, 409 N. Winston Rd., Knoxville, TN 37909. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

Max Hardin

July 27, 1934 - November 7, 2011