Dickie Hardin

Dickie Hardin passed away on July 4th at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville Tn. He was 70 years old. Dickie (or DJ) moved to Tennessee from Savannah Ga. in 2008 after retiring from the Savannah River Pilots where he worked as a dispatcher for many years. He married his surviving wife Jane at that time. He was an active member of the Journey of Grace Church in Athens, Tn. where he lived. Dickie loved all kinds of music and developed an affinity for Bluegrass after moving to this area where he loved to attend the local concerts. He also loved the beach and beach music, fishing and crabbing. Dickie joined the U.S. Airforce in July 1965 when his country called. He served with distinction as a radio operator and did tours of duty in Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines. While in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange which caused a myriad of health problems in his later years and ultimately caused his death. Dickie, as our other Vietnam vets, was denied a proper welcome home after the war. Just in the last few years have these men and women finally been recognized and celebrated for their sacrifice. His military service and all who served in Vietnam was no more but no less important than any other member of our armed services in any war. Please remember all of our veterans and their service to our great country. They are all heroes. DJ was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jack and Jo Helen Goodwin Hardin of Birmingham Al. and an infant brother, Mark Sean. He is survived by his wife, Jane Hutcheson Hardin of Athens, one son David Christopher Hardin of Savannah, Ga. and three grandsons; Zachary, Jacob and Jonathan; two brothers, John Ray Hardin and wife Fay of Blountsville Al., Brian Hardin and wife Denise of Wewahitchka, Fl. and one sister, Anita Giglio of Bristol, Tn. He is also survived by his two step-daughters Lucinda Womac of Athens and Rachel Gregory of Charleston, Tn. along with several step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his favorite sidekick and lap dog Bitsy.
There will be a memorial service for DJ in Athens, Tn. at Companion Funeral Home Chapel located at 400 S. White Street in Athens, TN 37303. The service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 29th. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate his life with us. For directions and/or information call 423-252-0647. The service will conclude with military honors. The interment will take place on Sunday, July 30th, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the McCormack Cemetery in Sumiton, AL. You are encouraged to share a memory of Dickie and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Hardin family with his arrangements.