Anderson, SC - Dr. Ralph Lackey Hardin III, 59, of Anderson, SC returned to his heavenly home on December 5th, 2015 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and gave him peace until the end.
Dr. Hardin was the valedictorian graduate of T.L.Hanna class of 1974. He was a 1978 honor graduate of Clemson University. He was a 1981 Graduate of Emory University College of Dental Medicine, and a 1984 Graduate of Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Education in Orthodontics. He practiced in the community as an orthodontist for over 30 years and was immensely loved by all of his patients.
He was a member and former president of The Tri County Dental Society. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Hardin was an avid sports fan. He loved the Atlanta Braves, Clemson Tigers, and Saint Louis Billikens. He was a member of IPTAY and enjoyed fighting his Tigers to a win at every home game for over 30 years. He was proud of his son for attending his alma mater Clemson and his daughters for attending his alma mater Saint Louis University.
He was a member of Young Memorial ARP church. He served the community as a leader for Crossways Ministries for several years and attended a men's bible study every Wednesday.
He had a passion for history, family genealogy and traveling. He and his family traveled all over the world. His favorite destination was St. Thomas, and his final resting place will be along the beaches he loved the most.
In addition to his wife, Karen Phillips Hardin, of the residence, Dr. Hardin is survived by two daughters - Ashley Hardin Rocci and husband Chris; Amanda Hardin Stewart and husband William; his son Adam Hardin and wife Mary Alice; one sister Kelli Hardin Linebaugh, husband Jeff and their daughter Lindy; one brother Jeff Hardin, his wife Marie and their children Anna and Martin; his parents Ralph and Gwen Hardin; his mother in law Eloise Phillips and is preceded in death by his father in law, Ray Phillips. Dr. Hardin will be deeply missed by his beloved family and all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. L. Thomas Richie and Rev. Drew Martin officiating. The family will receive friends following the Service in the Rainey Room at Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to thank the nurses of AnMed's ICU and 7 south for their compassionate and excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the AnMed Health Foundation for the Dr. Ralph Hardin Nursing Pallative Care Education Fund. Checks can be made to the AnMed Health Foundation with the Ralph Hardin Palliative Fund in memo.