Samuel Elton Hardman

Samuel Elton Hardman, age 95, of Halls Crossroads, passed away August 16, 2013 at Ben Atchley Veterans Home. He was a member of Colbert, Ga. United Methodist, He attended Halls Primitive Baptist Church. He graduated from Colbert, GA. High School, as Valedictorian, and Athens, GA. Business College. He retired from Havatampa Cigar Corporation as General Manager of the Wholesale Division, and the Eli Witt Company after 42 years service. He was a Veteran of WWII. He rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant and served in the U.S. Army for 3 years and 4 months. When he was drafted and inducted at Fort Mcpherson in Atlanta GA., he was immediately put on the line to process new recruits and stayed there until he was sent overseas to Rome, Italy to help the Allied Forces set up the Military Mission to the Italian Army (The First MMIA Company), after the Italians capitulated and became part of the Allied Forces. He was on the Executive committee and a Trustee of American Legion Post 2 and enjoyed taking part in the annual Veterans Day Parade and many other events the Legion sponsored. He enjoyed helping the Honor Air Program get WWII and Korean War Vets to Washington DC to see the memorials under the leadership of a special friend, Eddie Mannis. He was a member of the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council. He loved helping to promote the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial at the World’s Fair Park. He was a paid up for life (PUFL) member of the American Legion Post 126, Fountain City and Post 2, Knoxville, TN. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of the Woodmen of the world Life Insurance & Fraternal Society, Joining Oct. 16, 1935, belonging to Lodges 875 Knoxville & 6246 Maryville. He served in many capacities with the Woodmen Organization: President of Lodge 875, Trustee of Lodge 875, Greeter of Lodge 6246, Maryville. He served as President of Tennessee Fraternal congress. He was named Tennessee Fraternalist of years 2004 and 2005. He enjoyed participating in the many Community Events that the Woodmen Organization sponsored. He was a member of the Tennessee Wholesale Grocers Association, serving as a director. He enjoyed helping at the Halls Welfare Food Pantry. He was a member of the Halls Business & Professional Association, and was named Halls Man of the Year in 2008. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Jessie Mae Petree Turner Hardman. Survivors: Stepson, Ralph Turner and wife Jean, step- grandchildren: Debbie James and husband John, Gary Turner, Teresa Latham and husband Tom, Mark Turner and wife Lovena; Step Great-grandchildren: Joshua Turner, Justin Turner and wife Kelly, Brittany Wright and husband Hunter, Jeremy Latham, and Haley Turner; great great-grandchildren Adam, Andrew, Lydia and Kay Leigh Turner; brother Bill Hardman and wife Helen of Dahlogena, GA.; Sister Margie Bramlett of Winterville, GA. A special nephew, David Sharp. Also, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Colbert, GA. United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 317, Colbert, GA. 37628; Halls Primitive Baptist Church, 7706 Quarry Road, Knoxville, TN 37918; Halls Welfare Food Pantry, 4329 E Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN 37938; American Legion Post 2, P.O. Box 52668, Knoxville, TN 37950-2668; Woodmen of the World Lodge 875, 7320 Twin Creek Rd, Knoxville,TN 37920 and Honor Air, 7536 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938. Service 8pm Monday at First Baptist Church Powell, Elder Bill Berry officiating with Elder Tom Latham to assist. Pallbearers: Gary Turner, Mark Turner, John James, Jeff Sharp, Barry Sharp, Richard Petree and Jim Petree. Honorary Pallbearers: David Sharp, Johnny Sharp, Jeff Noblin, Eddie Mannis, Gene Bayless, Denny Branson, and Mike Brown. Family and friends will meet 10:15am Tuesday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel and proceed to Lynnhurst Cemetery for interment at 11am. Military Honor Guard will hold service at gravesite. Family will receive friends 5pm - 8pm Monday at First Baptist Church Powell. Announcement by Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel. www.mynattfh.com