Thomas Oren Harding ("Tommy"), 90, passed into his eternal home in the early morning hours of September 6, 2021. Tommy was a native of Panama City, born in Millville the night the old Millville sawmill caught fire. He was the son of the late Harold and Evelyn Harding of Millville and later The Cove. Their homestead still anchors the corner of Cove Blvd. and Cherry Street.

Tommy was a 1948 graduate of Bay High School then joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1955. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. While there, he began corresponding with his brother-in-law's sister, Jewell McKinley. They later realized their first letters to each other crossed in the mail. Tommy's next assignment after two years in Alaska was in West Palm Beach, Florida where he finally met Jewell in person. They married October 9, 1954, in Clearwater then returned to Tommy's hometown to live.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Tommy continued his work in the electrical trade at both Freeman Electric Company, Southern Electric & Electronics Company and eventually retiring after 29 years at Arizona Chemical in 1994.

Tommy's volunteer activities included wiring the new sanctuary at the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church where he and Jewell were original members. He became a member at Parker Masonic Lodge and worked his way up to Worshipful Master. In his earlier days, he coached the Rotary little league baseball team in the Cove. Several years ago, Tommy authored his own biography entitled "My Life as I Know It" which resides in the Bay County Public Library.

Being well liked and respected by so many, in the neighborhood Tommy was considered as the 'go to' man by all who knew him and was always ready with help or advice when anyone needed anything. Also, his dry sense of humor was a notable part of his reserved personality.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jewell, two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Mary Ellen Harding and Robert and Diane Harding; three grandchildren Ryan (Katy) Harding, Jennifer Harding (Frank) Makal, and Matthew Harding; three step-grandchildren, Dustin (Amy) Wells, John (Kaylan) Wells, and

Jennifer (Jeff) Wagner; three great-grandchildren, Lydia and Naomi Harding, Evan Makal; and five step great-grandchildren, Sarah and Katie Wells, Jack and Emma Wells, Christopher Miller.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at noon at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 222 N. Bonita Ave., Panama City. Burial follows in the Millville Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Randy Dorman, Andy Poole, Frank Makal, Bobby Harding, Matt Harding, and Ryan Harding. Asked to serve as Honorary Pallbearers are current and retired employees of the Panama City Beach Police Department and current and retired employees of Arizona Chemical Co.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 222 N. Bonita Ave., Panama City, FL 32401, or the charity of your choice.