Gilbert Randolph Harding

Gilbert was born in Leesburg Virginia on March 13, 1938. He was the only son of Rubye Jackson and Gilbert Randolph Harding. His father passed away when he was an infant and he was raised by his mother and grandmother Myra Jackson.

Gilbert graduated from Olive Branch High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard in 1957 as a tank driver. He qualified as a sharpshooter with pistol and received an honorable discharge in 1961 as a tank commander with the rank of sergeant. Gilbert graduated from Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963.

Gilbert married Sharon Arnett Cruser, the mother of his three children, in 1958. He was a devoted father who served as the president of the Parent Teacher Association and was also a leader in both girl and boy scouting programs. He loved boating and golf.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Gowan Harding and his wife Myra Johnson Harding.

Gilbert is survived by his children Malinda Williamson (Garry), Gilbert “Randy” Harding Jr. (Stacy) and Jeffrey Harding (Waverly); stepchildren Rodney Schmidbauer and Lisa Schmidbauer; grandchildren Justin, Keely (Jaron), Cade (Regan) and Heath; and great-grandchildren Camryn and James.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Decatur, in Stephenson Chapel, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Decatur City Cemetery.