Billie Lee Harding (1933 - 1996)

Born 7 May 1933 in Warrensburg, Missouri

Ancestors

Son of Julius Emerson Harding and Harriet Rose (Robinson) Harding

Husband of Myrtle Barbara (Whaley) Harding — married 19 Apr 1981 in Escambia, Florida

Descendants

Died 4 Dec 1996 at age 63 in Windsor, Henry, Missouri, USA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Alicia Taylor [send private message]

Biography

AC3 Billie Harding served in the United States Navy in the Korean War
Service started: 19 May 1950
Unit(s):
Service ended: 5 Mar 1954

This profile is part of the Harding Name Study.

Billie Harding has German Roots.

Billie Harding has Irish ancestors.

Billie Harding has English ancestors.

Early Life

Billie Lee Harding was born in Warrensburg, Missouri to Julius Emerson Harding and Harriet Robinson^[1] on 7 May 1933 ^[2]. He held the position of the second eldest among a lively brood of seven siblings, comprising six boys and one girl. Their roots were deeply embedded in a farming lineage in the heart of Missouri. Notably, his father skillfully managed both the cultivation of a sprawling 100+ acre tract and the role of a truck driver. ^[3]

Some of the Harding Children, about 1939 (Billie is on the right hand back row)

Harding Family Photo, about 1946, in Montserrat, MO. Billie is left-hand side, second row.

Military

Billie Harding, Circa 1950, in his Navy Uniform

Just days after turning 17, he took a bold step by enlisting in the Navy right amidst the fervor of the Korean War. His journey led him to become an adept Air Traffic Controller, a role he embraced with dedication. Stationed in the vibrant locale of Pensacola, Florida at Pensacola NAS.^{[4] [5]}

Marriage and Family

First Marriage

First wife and Billie, 1952

It was here that his path intertwined with that of his first wife, marking the beginning of a unique connection. They married in September 1952.^[6][7][1]

While he was in the Navy, she worked as a salseperson at Woolworth's Five and Dime Stores.^[8]

In 1954, the couple lived on 810 E Belmont Street in Pensacola, Florida. Billie was still serving in the US Navy. ^[9]

By 1956, both of their daughters were born, and the small family lived on 822 E Belmont. They were both working for Chemstrand, which later became Monsanto.^[10]

His talents extended to the realm of carpentry, where he showcased remarkable skill. Alongside his engagement at Monsanto, he also took on the role of a builder and renovator of houses. A unique approach defined their family's lifestyle: residing in a home until its restoration was complete, at which point they would make the decision to either sell or lease it. This dynamic path eventually led them to acquire a 10-acre expanse of land nestled in the tranquil rural embrace of Beulah, a small community located just beyond Pensacola's borders. Amidst this picturesque backdrop, their focus shifted toward the fulfilling pursuit of hobby farming.^[11]

Billie, affectionately known as Bill, embodied a captivating blend of intellect and versatility. An artistic flair was evident in his talents, ranging from his skillful brush strokes as a capable artist to the intricate craft of constructing ships ensconced within bottles. His curiosity was a driving force, drawing him into the world of photography and the fascination with cutting-edge gadgets. His expertise as a carpenter extended not only to the realm of residential architecture but also to the creation of furniture. Notably, a table and chair set crafted from the reclaimed essence of whiskey barrels stood as a testament to his ingenuity. A spirit of exploration resonated within him, as evidenced by his love for travel and his propensity for collecting and restoring antique timepieces. Beneath the surface, an astute political awareness added depth to his character, further enriching the tapestry of his interests and passions.

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Billie, affectionately known as Bill, embodied a captivating blend of intellect and versatility. An artistic flair was evident in his talents, ranging from his skillful brush strokes as a capable artist to the intricate craft of constructing ships ensconced within bottles. His curiosity was a driving force, drawing him into the world of photography and the fascination with cutting-edge gadgets. His expertise as a carpenter extended not only to the realm of residential architecture but also to the creation of furniture. Notably, a table and chair set crafted from the reclaimed essence of whiskey barrels stood as a testament to his ingenuity. A spirit of exploration resonated within him, as evidenced by his love for travel and his propensity for collecting and restoring antique timepieces. Beneath the surface, an astute political awareness added depth to his character, further enriching the tapestry of his interests and passions.

Regrettably, a shadow fell upon his journey as he grappled with the heavy burden of alcohol consumption.

During their union, two children were welcomed into the world, becoming the heart of their shared journey. However, the path took a difficult turn, ultimately leading to their separation. His struggles with alcoholism cast a somber hue over their relationship, ultimately contributing to the unfortunate end of their marriage on February 18, 1980.^[12][13]

Myrtle Barbara Whaley

Following his second divorce, a new chapter unfolded as he embraced marriage once more on April 19, 1981^[14], only for this union to eventually unravel. The path led him back to the embrace of Missouri, where the weight of his alcohol dependency became more pronounced. This struggle seeped into the fabric of his personal existence, casting a shadow that ultimately resulted in homelessness—a heartbreaking culmination of his journey. The heavy toll that his drinking took played a pivotal role in his eventual passing.

Death and Burial

On the 4th of December, 1996^[2] , his journey came to a close, the result of pneumonia complications exacerbated by exposure, a reflection of his challenging circumstances. His final resting place is within the tranquil embrace of Ellis Cemetery, nestled in Johnson County, Missouri in Windsor, Missouri. He is buried in Ellis Cemetery in Johnson County, Missouri. ^[5][11][15]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Children of Julius Harding
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J156-736 : 20 May 2014), Billie L Harding, 04 Dec 1996; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K7QB-PR6 : 14 March 2018), Billy Lee Harding in household of Julius Harding, Montserrat, Montserrat Township, Johnson, Missouri, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 51-14, sheet 5B, line 46, family 101, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 2120.
4. ↑ https://www.fold3.com/record/629570535-billie-harding-1933
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37609651/billie-lee-harding: accessed 30 August 2023), memorial page for Billie Lee Harding (3 May 1933–4 Dec 1996), Find A Grave: Memorial #37609651, citing Ellis Cemetery, Johnson County, Missouri, USA; Maintained by Cathy "Ford" Sahlfeld (contributor 46581122). Death:
6. ↑ "Florida Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJVV-3WV : 28 November 2014), Billie Lee Harding, 1952; from "Florida, Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, Florida; and Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research.
7. ↑ "Florida Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJVV-M8T : 28 November 2014), Gloria Maxine Henderson, 1952; from "Florida, Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, Florida; and Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research.
8. ↑ Ancestry Record 2469 #672875075Pensacola, Florida, City Directory, 1952 U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
9. ↑ Pensacola, Florida, City Directory, 1954 U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Ancestry Record 2469 #675812756
10. ↑ Ancestry Record 2469 #671728067 Pensacola, Florida, City Directory, 1956 U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1} Personal Knowledge of Granddaughter, Alicia Taylor
12. ↑ "Florida Divorce Index, 1927-2001," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VKHL-JQL : 25 December 2014), Billie Lee Harding and Gloria, 18 Feb 1980; from "Florida Divorce Index, 1927-2001," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Escambia, Florida, certificate 008171, volume 2576, Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville.
13. ↑ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86662400/dissolutions-of-marriage-billie-and/ The Pensacola News Pensacola, Florida 27 Feb 1980, Wed • Page 3
14. ↑ "Florida Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJM8-CLF : 28 November 2014), Billie Lee Harding and MM9.1.1/VJM8-CLN:, 19 Apr 1981; from "Florida, Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, Florida; and Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research. Ancestry Record 8784 #4207046
15. ↑ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86663371/billie-lee-harding-obituary-age-63/ | Billie Lee Harding Obituary (age 63) The Kansas City Star Kansas City, Missouri 06 Dec 1996, Fri • Page 130

• Maternal relationship is confirmed by a 23andMe test match between Alicia Taylor and Delbert Robinson, 2nd great uncle to niece. Their most-recent common ancestors are Theodore Robinson and Beatrice (Hughes) Robinson, the 2nd great grandparents of Alicia Taylor and parents of Delbert Robinson. Predicted relationship from 23andMe: First Cousin, based on sharing 539cM across 14 segments.
• Maternal relationship is confirmed by an autosomal AncestryDNA test match between Alicia (Bonner) Taylor and Shirley (Clevenger) Lafferty, her 2nd cousin 1x removed. Their most-recent common ancestors are Theodore Robinson and Beatrice Hughes, the great great grandparents of Alicia (Bonner) Taylor and great grandparents of Shirley (Clevenger) Lafferty. Predicted relationship from AncestryDNA: 3rd Cousin, based on sharing 37 cM across 3 segments. DNA test taker Alicia (Bonner) Taylor is the granddaughter of Billie Harding, the son of Harriet Robinson, the daughter of the common ancestors Theodore Robinson & Beatrice Hughes.
• Paternal and Maternal relationships are both confirmed by an autosomal AncestryDNA test match between Alicia (Bonner) Taylor and CLHarding, her 1st cousin 1x removed. Their most-recent common ancestors are Julius Harding and Harriet Robinson, the great grandparents of Alicia (Bonner) Taylor and grandparents of CLHarding. Predicted relationship from AncestryDNA: 1st cousin 1x removed, based on sharing 331 cM across 20 segments.