Elijah "Eli" Neal Harding

In Eli's short 18 years he touched countless lives with his kindness, strength, and vibrant spirt. He was a gentle giant with a huge heart. A beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Eli lived with a heart full of compassion and a smile that could light up any room. Eli was known for his love for working, his sense of humor and being outdoors as well as riding wheelies on his bikes that later turned into his love for his mini bike. Eli graduated early and was a standout football player when he went to Franklin. He had a gift for making people feel seen and loved. Weather he was taking care of horses or his cat prince, playing with his niece and nephew, cooking with or for his family, camping, fishing, working in the garden with his dad, swimming in any type of water he could find, he poured his whole heart into what he loved and into the people around him.

He recently graduated from Valley View High School and was looking forward to his career in concrete. Though his time was short Eli lived it fully, fearlessly, and with unwavering love for those around him.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Roger Hollon and his great grandmother, Wanda Delver.

Eli is survived by his mother, Brandy Mills (Hollon); father, John Harding II; sisters, Rease Howard, Stormy Harding, Kinzey Bronnenberg and Josey (Juan) Helvey. Brothers, Mason Mills and Caine Mackey; maternal grandmother, Teresa (Derek) Neufarth; paternal grandparents, John (Becki) Harding; niece, Journee Helvey; nephew, Hendrix Mackey and many extended family members and dear friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

A visitation for Eli will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. 2nd St., Franklin, Ohio 45005. A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Anderson Funeral Home. Eli will be laid to rest in Miami-Corwin Cemetery. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in remembering the incredible young man he was.