James Cleve "Jimmy" Harden, III

Mr. James Cleve "Jimmy" Harden, III, age 77, passed away early Saturday morning, February 28, 2026 at his home in Sumter County.

Funeral services are planned for 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, from the chapel of Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., with Ben Lankford officiating and Lavada Lankford providing musical accompaniment.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The following gentlemen are asked to serve as active pallbearers: Melvin Hooks, Dustin Avery, Charlie Sangster, Marcus Bateman, Kenny Avery, Michael Kendrick, Jay Hunnicutt, and Jacob Avery.  Asked to serve as honorary pallbearers are: Steve Avery, George Cook, Mark Robinson, Roy Stewart, Charles Sangster, and Jeff Wilder.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday evening, March 2, between the hours of 6:00 & 8:00 PM at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., and are meeting at other times at the home of Zelma Melton, 106 Harry Priddy Road.

Born September 18, 1948 in Sumter County, he was a son of the late James Cleve "Bill" Harden, Jr. and the late Lavonia Quenelle Williams (Harden) Melton. He was retired from Metalux where he worked as an inventory clerk and in several other positions. He loved his wife, Linda, his family, and his dogs. He had been a member of the Masonic order, and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Cleve "Little Jimmy" Harden, IV; and his two brothers: Donald Harden and Joel Melton.

Survivors include his loving wife, Linda Faye Raybon Harden; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: June Harden, Zelma Melton and Steve Avery, and Ann and George Cook; and several nieces & nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews, great-great-nieces & great-great-nephews; and cousins.

Flowers are welcome, and for those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the Sumter Humane Society, 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus, GA 31719.

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. Jimmy Harden.