Henry Donald Harder

Henry Donald Harder, beloved husband, father, brother, G-daddy, and friend was born December 13, 1943 in Sumter, SC. He was the son of the late Byron “Bill” Harder and Mary Elizabeth “Mary Jane” Fishburne. His earthly life ended on October 7, 2024 at home after a courageous battle with kidney disease.

Henry was a 1962 graduate of Edmunds High School where he and his lifelong friend, Ervin Shaw, were co-captains of the Gamecocks Football Team. Upon graduation, Henry was awarded a football scholarship to The Citadel.

A class of ’66 senior private and one of Boo’s lambs, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and worked in the wood products industry. In 1982, he and his family moved to Palatka, Florida, where he had an insurance agency for over 20 years. After retirement, he managed Hiawatha Condos on the St. John's River for 10 years.

Henry was a lifelong Episcopalian who spent many hours taking communion to the sick and homebound, while quietly sharing his faith. After moving to Columbia, he and his wife, Pat, were welcomed into St. Alban’s family. He always believed, “love isn’t love till you give it away.”

Henry was a quiet man who cherished time outdoors. He was an avid fly-fisherman, swimmer, golfer, bird-watcher, and gardener. But most of all, he loved his family.

Henry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat Myatt Harder; son, Don; daughter, Melissa; granddaughter, Linden Rose; brothers, Dr. Byron Harder (Lillian) and Howard Harder (Joyce). He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Merry and Jimmy Hendricks, and Rick Myatt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church (https://www.stalbanschurch.org/online-giving).