Jerry William Hardin

Jerry William Hardin, 80, of Cedartown, GA passed from this life on May 23, 2025. He was born on December 12, 1944 in Temple, GA, to Henry Luther “Luke” Hardin and Evelyn Crowley Hardin. He spent a joyful childhood in Rockmart, GA, attending church, playing Little League, raising bantam chickens, collecting marbles, enjoying the outdoors, and getting into all kinds of mischief with his twin brother, Jimmy. He graduated from Rockmart High School in 1962 and then served in the Georgia Army National Guard (Cedartown, GA) in Company B, 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment.

Raising game chickens became an enduring part of Jerry’s life and a true labor of love until his death. In 1979, he decided to make the move from the family’s downtown Rockmart home to a quaint farm in rural Polk County to continue his chicken farming on a larger scale and adding cattle to the mix, along with his father. He spent many hours fishing for catfish with his extended family in his lake. His chicken farm was a defining characteristic of his life, and many of his closest friendships were formed through the local chicken farming network.

Jerry worked at Goodyear Mill in Rockmart, GA until retirement after more than 30 years of employment, at which time he devoted himself to enjoying his family, antiquing with his siblings, watching the Atlanta Braves, and living a quiet country life with his network of family and friends.

Jerry’s kindness toward others was the hallmark of his character, (though none will soon forget his quick sense of humor and quiet laugh, either!). Many describe him as the nicest man they have ever met. He lived his life as an outstanding example of loyalty, love, kindness, humility, friendship, and Christian faith. He left an indelible mark upon everyone who loved him, and many claim him as their “best friend.” He was a best friend to many, and a brother to many others, either by blood or in spirit.

Jerry is predeceased by his loving father and mother; his twin brother, Jimmy Hardin (what a legendary pair they were!), his longtime companion, Mildred Shepherd; and his nieces Angela Marie “Angie” Hardin and Connie Hardin Graham.

He is survived by his brother, Hugh Harden and wife, Martha, of Buchanan, GA.; his sister, Ann Hardin Wheeler and husband, Billy, of Rockmart GA; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Haney Hardin of Aragon, GA.

His surviving nieces and nephew include Renae Harden Bell (Jerry); Cindy Wheeler; Beth Wheeler Gandy (John); Geoffrey Harden; Haley Hardin Harris (Thad); and Jill Wheeler Kitchens (Jamey).

Great-nieces and nephews include Lisa White Lee (Adam); Amber and Raven Graham; Jeremiah Bell (Tiffany); Clayton Bell (Autumn); Lukas, Will, and Anna Kate Gandy; Molly and Jake Harris; and Wheeler, Trey, Sara, and Avery Kitchens. He is also survived by several great-great nieces and nephews, as well as cousins.

Jerry's legacy of kindness and his love of animals will live on in all who loved him.

A graveside service to honor the life of Jerry Hardin will be held Tuesday, June 3rd at 4:00 at Rockmart Memory Gardens with Brother Marty Meeks and Brother Ashley Haney officiating and military graveside rites provided by Brown-Wright Post #12 American Legion Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will include John Gandy, Jamey Kitchens, Thad Harris, Lukas Gandy, Will Gandy, Jake Harris, and Wheeler Kitchens.

Jerry's circle of friends will serve as honorary pallbearers, including Revis Arp, Bobby Moates, Carlisle Pointer, Trevor Cox, Larry Day, Keith Williams, and Daniel Perry.

Family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:30 at Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Jerry William Hardin.