It is with praise and gratitude to our Lord that our Family announces the passing of Silas Hamilton Hardin, Jr. at the age of 90, on Friday, November 10, 2023. Si, as he was referred to by Family and friends, passed in his sleep after suffering from the progressive illness of Alzheimers. Si was born and raised in Eastman, GA and was an active member of Eastman First United Methodist Church for his entire life. He graduated from the 11th Grade at Eastman High School then completed the 12th Grade at Georgia Military Academy in College Park, GA. He was a talented athlete playing in HS Football and HS Baseball. Si graduated from the University of Georgia in 1955 with a BS in Accounting, and he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Following graduation, he was drafted into the US Army – 3rd Army serving from 1955 until his discharge in 1957. Si completed Basic Training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, then he was stationed first at Fort Riley in Kansas for additional training and finally at Frankfurt, Germany where he served for two years. After his discharge, he returned to Eastman and worked for his father, SH Hardin, Sr., as an Insurance and Loan agent. He held other professions in Eastman working with First Federal Savings & Loan of McRae, Fulton Federal, Life of Georgia Insurance, and Dodge County Tax Office retiring in 2001 at the age of 78. He also retired as a volunteer firefighter with the Eastman Fire Department at the age of 55. During his lifetime within the community, Si coached Youth Football, served as Cub Scout Master, served as a founding Board Member of Baker Academy in Hawkinsville, GA, and held numerous leadership positions over the years at Eastman First UMC. Si was an active golfer up to the age of 88 and was a member of the Georgia Seniors Golf Association. Two of his proudest accomplishments in golf were shooting his age at 72 and making a "Hole in One". He was a loyal fan of the UGA Bulldogs especially football cheering on the Dawgs either between the hedges, listening to Larry Munson, or at the Gator Bowl for the annual UGA verses Florida classic.
Si met the love of his life Beverly Allene Hunt from Cordele, GA as she visited college friends, who were practice teaching at Dodge County HS. They were married on August 17, 1958 and took up residence at their first home on Jessup Street near his parent's home. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Silas was preceded in death by his parents. Silas H Hardin, Sr. and L. Gertrude Horne Hardin, his sister Dorothy (Drexel) Hardin Chapman of Farmington, Missouri, as well as his sister-in-law Sally Hunt Bazemore of Cordele, GA. He is survived by his wife Beverly Hunt Hardin and his sister Betty Hardin Harrington (Wilton D. Harrington, Sr. – deceased) of Eastman, GA as well as sons Silas Hamilton (Diane) Hardin, III of Auburn, AL, McDonald Hunt (Susan) Hardin of Kathleen, GA, and Michael Dana (Jennifer) Hardin of Eastman, GA. Si and Beverly have been blessed with seven grandchildren and recently twin great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
Silas and Beverly were truly world travelers. While he was stationed in Germany, Si toured free Western Europe as he took 30 days leave of service from his military post. He witnessed the rebuilding of several countries, which were impacted during WWII. He visited several world-renowned historic sites such as Heidelberg, Munich, Eagles Nest, Neuschwanstein Castle, Paris, Versailles, the French Riviera, London, England, and Scotland. As a married couple, Si and Beverly sailed the Seven Seas aboard several cruise ships visiting ports of call in the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, and the English – Normandy coast. Close to home, they could be found at Fernandina Beach, Florida during family vacations staying at their beach cabin. Many a day with the boys, their friends, and family were spent surf fishing, riding the waves, and taking in some sun. Si taught his boys and his grandchildren how to cast a fishing line into the surf then to clean their catch for an evening fish fry with all of the fixings. He also taught them how to body surf the waves crashing on the beach. Many a fond memory were created while enjoying the beach and taking in the ocean breezes.
Si coached and instructed his boys in developing skills for several of the sports that they participated in from youth up through High School such as football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Beverly accused Si of fathering three sons, so he could have a golf foursome. Many an afternoon were spent with his sons and grandsons on the course chasing that little white ball. A special bond was forged during these outings, which provided ample opportunities to learn how best to be a man, a husband, and a father.
As an honor to Silas and a celebration of his life, a Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 18th, from 10:30 a.m. until Noon at Hardy-Towns Funeral Home located at 6399 Oak Street in Eastman, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered either to Eastman First United Methodist Church in Eastman, Georgia or to a charity of their choice.