Obituary of Bill Harding

William Henry (“Bill”) Harding born September 28, 1949 in Raleigh, North Carolina passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 10, 2020 at age 70.  He was predeceased by his wife Mary Patricia (“Patty”) Harding, his brother in law William (“Billy”) Langham and his parents Barbara (“Barby”) and Reuben (“Martt”) Harding.

He is survived by his four daughters: Catherine Rock, Mary Elizabeth Harding, Margaret (“Maggie”) Boykin, and Cecilia (“Sissy”) Smith,  his 4 siblings: Martt (“Chuck”) Harding,  Todd Harding, Howard Harding and Susan Harding  as well as 11 grandchildren, great grandchildren  and countless friends.

The son of Barbara and Reuben Harding, Bill grew up in the Town of Herndon with his older siblings. At a very young age Bill’s love of working with his hands and his strong will were apparent to all around him. As a teenager he began working on motorcycles and very quickly progressed from working on engines as a hobby to turning it into a career. Bill had a natural talent to be able to look at a mechanical problem and find a solution to it even if he had never seen it before. As he grew older, Bill turned his love of cars into a full time job and opened “Harding Automotive” which he operated for over forty years. Upon his retirement, Bill began working for Roto Rays in Herndon.

Bill had the unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. He touched the lives of so many during his lifetime. Whether it was someone he just met or an old friend, he would greet you with a warm smile, a firm handshake and a presence that made you instantly feel at ease. He loved helping people and never turned down the opportunity to help someone in need. Whether it was a customer who needed their car fixed but couldn’t afford to pay for it or a friend who needed advice, As a mechanic,as a friend, as a father and as a husband, Bill was always there.

Bill loved to make people laugh with his endless supply of jokes and funny stories. He loved every opportunity to make people feel appreciated and welcome. For close to 20 years, Bill hosted an annual “crab feast” at his home in Purcellville where friends and family would gather to spend time together talking, dancing, eating crab legs and listening to oldies. Bill looked forward to the crab feast each year because he knew how much fun it was for the people who came and he reveled in the opportunity to bring happiness to their lives.

Bill was a loving father who raised his daughters with kindness and compassion. As they grew into adulthood, each one continued to have a special relationship with him.  As a son, Bill cherished his morning coffee with Barby and making her breakfast after church on Sundays.

At home, Bill was never happier than when he was spending time with his “sweetie” Patty. From their home in Purcellville they built an amazing life based on their love for each other. Whether it was sitting on the front porch watching the deer in their yard or walking down to the pond with Billy, as long as they were together their lives were complete.

Bill was a truly wonderful person and he will be missed dearly. Thank you Bill for all you have done for so many. We love you.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 16, 2020 at 1:00pm at Hillsboro Cemetery.