B. Ray Harding

B. Ray Harding, 86, Anderson, passed away November 4, 2015 at his residence after an extended illness.

He was born December 23, 1928, in Metropolis, IL, the son of the late Rev.’s Edward H. and Vienna (Roberts) Harding. He graduated high school in Cairo, IL and also Anderson College. He received his Masters Degree from Ball State University and moved to Anderson in 1960. Ray retired from Anderson Community Schools in 1992 after 30 years where he was head of the Math Department at Southside Middle School. He played some baseball after high school and while in the Army stationed in Japan as well as some Semi-Pro Leagues in the Anderson area. He was a member of the Maple Grove Church of God and loved playing chess and tree grafting.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary C. Harding of Anderson; two daughters, Rachelle Melanie Harding of Anderson and Tamara Jo (Ed) Sreniawski of Vernon Hills, IL; one granddaughter, Samantha Joanne Sreniawski of Vernon Hills, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother, Evora Willis, Vivian Haselip and Gladwin Harding.

Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 9, 2015, at Maple Grove Church of God with Pastor Steve DeLisle officiating. Burial will be at East Maplewood Cemetery with military honors conducted by the VFW Post #266.

Friends may call from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Grove Church of God.