MANCHESTER – Charles “Unk” Robert Harding, 83, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2022, with his family by his side.

He was born on Feb. 5, 1939, in Augusta to the late Robert LeRoy Harding and Viola Maude (Adams) Harding.

He graduated from Cony High school in Augusta on June 12, 1957. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 11, 1962, attending basic training at Fort Dix, N.J. From April 1962 to March 1964, he was stationed in Vicenza, Italy with the 68th Ord Co. Later in 1964, he transitioned to the Army Reserves, assigned to the 417th regiment, an element of the 76th Division Training Command, as an admin and supply technician. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves on Feb. 26, 1993, retiring as a Master Sergeant after 30 years of honorable service to his country.

Unk was proud of his service and was more than willing to share stories of his travels in Europe and the United States, especially his time spent in Italy. He received many letters of recommendation and acknowledgement from his chain of command for his exemplary performance. In one personal letter from LTC Walter White, he shared that he and Charles were to attend a big meeting at Division Headquarters. Charles, as usual, wanted to be prepared. LTC White surprised Charles upon arrival by notifying him that they would be staying with the Division G4, LTC John Mele. The night went very well, with rank losing its privilege. To close his letter, LTC White noted, “If ever the balloon goes up, I’m sure there is no person in the room who would refuse to serve next to Charlie Harding – he is a dedicated and true professional soldier.”

In his civilian life, Charles worked for Nicholson and Ryan Jewelers and Hazard Shoe Company in Augusta. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed photography, gardening, cooking, horseback riding, carpentry, talk radio, religious broadcasts, and fishing. During his life, he owned many animals – beloved horses (Brooklyn, Gypsy, Fly, Brownie), dogs (Queenie, Jack), cats (Spot, Britches), turkeys (Loo loo, Big Boy, Samson, Henny Penny), chickens, and ducks. He loved spending time outdoors – feeding wild birds and even raccoons. He had no fear – if he heard something in the woods, he would go after it – a few examples are chasing after bears and once, when one of his nephews dressed up as a big foot to scare him, he was up and out the door quickly, ready to go after it. He loved spending time at camp on Cobbossee stream and telling many stories involving paranormal activity.

He really enjoyed Chinese food and a good bar. He was known by his friends and family as being a great bartender and for throwing large social gatherings. Everyone knew him as Manchester’s best chef – he always made sure everyone was well fed. Part of his personality was caring for others, giving his time and money to make others happy and comfortable. On any given day, Unk could be called and asked ,“what was on the menu for dinner” and he would make sure enough was made. The holidays were made very special because of Unk and life will be very different without his unique presence in our family.

Charles was predeceased by his mother, Viola Harding, and his father, Robert Harding, both of Manchester; and his only sister, Betty (Harding) Gay and her spouse Robert Gay Sr. of Manchester.

He is survived by his nephew, Robert Gay Jr. and his wife Therese of Manchester; great-nephews, Kyle Gay of Manchester and Kevin Gay of West Gardiner and his girlfriend Alice Hermann, a great-niece, Kimberly (Gay) Pepin and her husband David of Manchester; special great-great-nieces Evelyn, Caroline, and Lenora Pepin of Manchester; and Breanna Rosenbaum of Winthrop; great-stepnephews Justin Trask and his wife Hattie of Farmingdale and their family; Kevin Trask of Hallowell; cousins Thomas Sawyer and his wife Annette of West Gardiner and their family; Steven Adams and his wife Brenda of West Gardiner and their family; Kenneth Adams of Hudson, N.H.; Penny (Adams) Stiman and her husband Harry of Augusta and their family; Ronald Sawyer and his wife Jean of Alabama and their family; and special friends Larry and Thelma of West Gardiner. Unk had many other cousins, distant relations, friends, and contacts he made throughout his life that are too numerous to list here but were very much loved by him.

There will be no visiting hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, July 30, at 2:30 p.m. at Manchester Forks Cemetery. Following the ceremony, there will be a gathering at the family farm in Manchester to share in light refreshments and memories in celebration of Charles’ life.

The family would like to express their thanks to Beacon Hospice, his nurses Jessica and Josh (for providing exceptional care and comfort during Charles’ final hours), and to Julianne Bousquet, a chaplain and friend of the family, for all her love and support over the years.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

Those wishing to make a donation in Charles’ honor can do so to Beacon Hospice.



Copy the Story Link