Robert Samuel Harding

Robert Samuel Harding, age 90, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 9th, 1934.

He grew up in Indianapolis where he met his wife, Barbara, on a blind date. They were married 68 years and reared 5 children, moving to Ocala in 1960 where he built the home that he lived in for the remainder of his life. He spent the early years of their married life as a home builder, later going to work for the Florida Department of Transportation, retiring in 1996.  He began attending Oakcrest Baptist Church in 1980, and participated actively in the life of the congregation thru Sunday School, ushering, Samaritan's purse, and various other roles. 

After retiring he was able to pursue his passion for genealogy. He and Barbara traveled extensively to libraries around the country, discovering the family tree branches going back more than 400 years. He was a formidable trivial pursuit champion and did crossword and brain teaser puzzles everyday. He was known for his incredible memory and never forgot a family member's birthday or anniversary.

While the abilities to build houses, remember dates and details of events, and journal daily were all admirable qualities, Bob's sharpest focus was always on his wife and children. He loved Barbara dearly, caring for her until his last weeks. They lived a simple and frugal life, ensuring more for their children and grandchildren. He was ever present in their lives, whether ballgames, recitals, family vacations, holiday dinners, graduations, weddings, house repairs, pet sitting, or any other occasion, he would be there. 

He lived his life on earth as a man of strong character, but the pivotal moment for his eternal life was just 3 days prior to his passing, at age 90, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, proving God's grace is always available and it's never too late to turn to Him.  The years of prayers by family, friends, and the church community are a beautiful reflection of how deeply he was loved and the fruit of those labors speak to the power of intercession and the faithfulness of God.

He was the patriarch of a large and loving family which he called "the clan" and is survived by his wife Barbara Mae Brantley Harding, his children Denise Harding, Dean (Cindy) Harding, Debra Evans, Dana (Mary Cam) Harding, Diane (Gregory) Rhoden, grandchildren Gregg (Laura) Harding, Katie (Brian) Wade, Heidi Harding, Kennedy (Justin) Payne, McLane (Cameron) Gibson, and Brantley Harding, and great grandchildren Anniston, Roman, Neyland, Harrison, and Carson. He was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Inez Harding, brothers Walter Glenn Harding and Thomas Harding, and sister Barbara Richardson. 

The family will receive visitors at Oakcrest Baptist Church on Wednesday March 12th at 10am with a service immediately following at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Oakcrest Baptist Church.