HR1757: HR1757 Harden, Reverend Howard D.; honoring the life and memory; condolences

26 LC 112 3986 House Resolution 1757 By: Representatives Howard of the 129th, Myles of the 126th, Gilliard of the 162nd, and Reese of the 140th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Howard D. Harden; and for other purposes. 1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Reverend Howard D. Harden of Spring Grove B aptist Church in3 Hephzibah, Georgia, who peacefully transitioned on March 12, 2026; and4 WHEREAS, Reverend Howard D. Harden was a devout servant of God, a faithful pastor, and5 an indispensable pillar in the community; and6 WHEREAS, following his graduation from the Burke County School System, he served as7 a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly and8 courageously protecting his fellow Americans; and9 WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Shirley, and was blessed with10 seven remarkable children, 18 wonderful grand– and great-grandc hildren, and one11 exceptional great-great-grandchild; and12 WHEREAS, after accepting the call to gospel ministry and being ordained in March 1989,13 Reverend Howard D. Harden served for decades as pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and14 H. R. 1757 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3986 Spring Grove Baptist Church, guiding the spiritual, emotional, and mental growth of15 countless congregants; and16 WHEREAS, his life reflected unwavering faith, compassionate lea dership, and a deep17 commitment to shepherding and uplifting those he was called to serve—he touched countless18 lives with his wisdom, encouragement, and guidance, leaving a l asting imprint on each19 congregation he led; and20 WHEREAS, beyond the pulpit, he was a loving husband, father, br other, uncle, and21 grandfather whose steady presence and kindness brought comfort and inspiration to all of22 those closest to him; and23 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man who demonstrated his commitment to24 witnessing Christ through word and deed, Reverend Howard D. Har den will long be25 remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who26 had the great fortune of knowing him.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory o f Reverend Howard D.29 Harden and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized31 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the32 family of Reverend Howard D. Harden.33 H. R. 1757 - 2 -