Linda Azile Harding

Linda Azile Harding, 71, returned to her heavenly home on May 21, 2015 after courageously facing many challenges from an accident in April of 1983 that left her confined to a wheelchair as a paraplegic. Her most recent medical battles were met with that same positive attitude and fortitude as she fought her last struggle of this earthly journey. Her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her devotion to her family and friends sustained her and provided her peace through all the trials of this life. Linda was the daughter of the late James Cecil and Gertrude Wilson Harding. She was a 1962 graduate of Enka High School and served her country as a staff sergeant in the USAF. Linda later pursued a career in auto mechanics, graduating in 1983 from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, Texas with the hopes of teaching, until her untimely accident left her paralyzed. Most recently she retired from UNC Asheville with 15 years of service. Linda, never married, was still immensely blessed with a loving family and friends. She had a very close relationship with her siblings. She dearly loved her nieces, nephews and their children. She was always so thoughtful, giving and kind to both family and friends. Linda will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who rejoice that she is now whole and at peace with her Lord. Linda is survived by her sister, Annette, and husband, Alan Brown; her brother, Joe, and wife, Mary; their children, Caye, and husband, Doug King; Joe Harding, Jr. and wife, Kim, and Ray Harding; her sister-in-law, Jerri Harding, and her son, Kevin; great-niece, Morgan King; great-nephews Kevin King, Bennett and Bryson Harding, and James Harding. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Cecil, her mother, Gertrude Wilson Harding; and her brother, Jim Harding. A memorial service for Linda will be held at Mount Moriah Wesleyan Church in Candler, North Carolina, Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 A.M. with the Reverend David Pittman and Reverend Joe Harding, Jr. officiating. Cremation services are being handled by Groce Funeral Home in Asheville, North Carolina. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at grocefuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Mount Moriah Wesleyan Church, 1 Fairmont Road, Candler, NC 28715.