Ricky Harding

Jack Richard Harding, Jr., known to his family and friends as Rick or Ricky, beloved father, son, brother, and friend, left us to join our Lord's heavenly choir on January, 25, 2011 at the age of 58. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 PM on SATURDAY, February 12, 2011 at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation to follow immediately after the 2:00 PM services. Rick was born on March 31, 1952 in Stephenville, Texas. After receiving his higher education at Tarleton State University, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Music Education, he left Stephenville to share his talent and love for music as a Jr. High Choir Teacher in south Texas. Shortly after marrying his second wife and having a precious daughter, he left teaching and began a second career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep and remained in that career for 25 years. Rick always remained in the arts and performed in plays, was a member of several Chorales, loved blowing his trumpet, and would be ready to perform any time or any where there was music and a spotlight. If you didn't have the music for him, he just happened to always carry his infamous "pitch pipe" in his pocket for on the spot performances! He had a true passion for music and an incredible God given talent for singing. What an amazing First Tenor voice! Everyone LOVED to watch Rick perform and hear him sing. He had such a tremendous love for life, music, challenging conversations, quips, and most of all....his family and friends. We could always count on him to make our day brighter with a corny joke, silly pun, or his quirky smile. Rick was truly a blessing to this world and to all who knew him. We love you and will miss you more than words can express. Although we have lost a great man, Heaven has gained a singing Saint! SURVIVORS: Daughter, Cortni Harding Garcia and husband Sammy of Keller, TX; mother, Laverne Harding of Stephenville, TX; sister, Mitzi Harding and husband Herman Alsup of Lubbock, TX; brother, Randy Harding and wife Gail Rankin of Glen Rose, TX, and a vast number of family members, friends, and co-workers, all of whom he touched with his wit, charm, smile, love for music, commitment to family, and contagious laughter. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Association or the American Diabetes Association.