Clarence McKinley Harding, Sr. | Eastern NC Now

    Clarence McKinley Harding., age 82, a resident Harding's Village, Washington, NC, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Vidant Pitt Hospital.

    Mr. Harding was born in Beaufort County April 4, 1932 son of the late John and Fannie Holley Harding. Mr. Clarence attended Beaufort County Schools. On March 12, 1959 he married the former Renner Pearl Latham. He worked formerly with FCX of Washington for 25 years, serving as foreman. He was the owner and operator of Clarence Harding Piano Tuning and Repair Service. Mr. Clarence's professional organization memberships include; Chairman and Trustee of Board, Mt. Olive AME Zion, organist for numerous choirs, class leader 1, district conference worker, former Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Steward, Trustee, Treasurer and delegate to the district and annual conference. Mr. Clarence was a faithful member of Mt. Olive AME Zion Church.

    He was the only black member of the Piano Technician Guild of the American College of Musicians and was the only black technician in Eastern NC.

    In addition to Mr. Clarence's wife, he is survived by his children; daughter Wendy Harding and friend Jerome of Washington, NC,; son Clarence Harding, Jr. (Nikki) of Durham, NC., and one grandchild, Stephon Cotton (Spud) of Durham, NC. Other survivors include four brothers; Vance Harding (Jessie) of Mattapan, MA, Archie Harding (Alice), Donald Harding (Sandra), and Fenner Harding (Patricia) all of Washington, NC; three sisters; Alice Williams (Alfred) of Harlem, NY, Jessie Burks (Martin Sr.) of Bronx, NY, and Janice Gibbs (Johnny Sr.) of Washington, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters; Lucille Harding, Laura Harding, Thelma Harding Frazier, and Margaret Harding Lawrence, and by two brothers; Roy Harding, and John Harding, Jr.

    A celebration of his life will be Saturday at 1pm at Word of Life Worship Center, 4449 Market Street Extension, Washington NC, with Pastor Josie Clark officiating. Special music will be provided by "Voices of Bethel". Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and other times at the home.