Gilroy (G.R.) McKnight Harden , 74, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2014 at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville.
He was born in Cleveland on July 25, 1939 to James Curry and Beatrice McKnight Harden. He graduated from Cleveland High School and attended Mississippi State University . G.R. began farming in 1959 and was actively engaged in farming until his death. He was a member of Morrison Chapel Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He was a founding member of the Mean Green Pulling Team Tractor Club. His hobbies included refurbishing John Deere antique tractors and collecting John Deere memorabilia.
Visitation will be from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, February 24 at Morrison Chapel Baptist Church . Services are at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, February 25 at the church with interment following at New Cleveland Cemetery . Reverends John Thomas and Rick Lipp will officiate the services.
G.R. was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Boswell Harden, his daughter, Andrea Lynn Harden of Aberdeen , and his parents James and Beatrice Harden.
Survivors include one son, Gil Hunter Harden of Alexandria, Virginia; stepchildren, Wade Furniss of Pine Lake, Louisiana, Claudia Barrett, and Robert Milbrand of Cleveland, and Danielle Milbrand of Greenwood; brother, James Curry Harden Jr. of Starkville; and business associate and friend, Raymond Crossno of Cleveland.
Pallbearers will be Lee Wayne Flint, Ronnie Flint, Kenneth Flint, Jim Broom, Mike Easley, Bob Goodman, Terry Rocconi and Jeff Handly. Honorary pallbearers are The Mean Green Pulling Team.
Memorials may be made to Morrison Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund. 196 Morrison Chapel Road Cleveland , MS 38732 .
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line guest register may be viewed and signed at
www.clevelandfuneralhome.net