Ralph Hardin, 83, of Rector died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation in Rector.

He and his twin brother, Ray, were born to the late Hollie and Cecil (Davis) Hardin in Greene County.

His first love was his church and gardening was his passion. He was a farmer and also worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rector, the Rector Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and a 50-year member of the Rector Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a World War II Army veteran, having served during the invasion of Japan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, E.J. Hardin, and his son-in-law, Gordon Nutt.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mae Ruth Hardin; two daughters, Shiela Hardin of Maumelle and Karen Nutt of Rector; four grandchildren, Pete Nutt of Jonesboro, LaRhonda Prichard of Collierville, Tenn., Stanley Nutt of Arlington, Tenn., and B.J. Nutt of Rector, currently serving in Iraq; nine great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Ray Hardin of Rector, a sister, Willodean Whitaker of Rector, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Irby Funeral Home in Rector with Rev. Roger Armstrong officiating. Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Those who wish may sign the online guest register at www.irbyfuneralhomes.comRalj