Charles Edward Harden Sr., born and raised in Leighton, Alabama, moved to Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 17. He passed away in Decatur, Alabama. Charles was born to the late Richard King and Jennie Harden.

Charles accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized while attending St. James Church. At the time of his passing, he was a devoted member of New Zion Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky under the leadership of Reverend A. Russell Awkard.  Charles was a faithful member of the Usher Board and the Finance Committee. 

Charles dedicated 50 years to his career at Brown-Forman Cooperage from 1969 until his retirement in 2019, as one of the top Master Bourbon Barrel Craftsmen and new hire trainer.   His hard work and mentorship left a lasting mark on the city and inspired many colleagues who admired him.

Charles was a devoted fiancé, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed going to casinos, family vacations, visiting with friends, sports especially wild about the University of Alabama football team — ROLL TIDE!!!!  Known for his witty sense of humor, kindness, and steadfast guidance, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles Edward Harden Jr., of Louisville, Kentucky; one brother, James Harden; and one niece, Jackie King, both of Leighton, Alabama.

Charles is survived by his loving fiancé, Debra Jenkins, of Louisville, Kentucky, and three children: Olivia Harden of Decatur, Alabama; Demetrion Harden of Louisville, Kentucky; and Charkisha Harden of Louisville, Kentucky. He is also survived by eight sisters: Linda Neloms (the late Rev. Parvin Neloms) and Christine Robinson (the late Eldridge Robinson), both of Leighton, Alabama; Mary Bailey (Earl) of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Yvonne Young (Trome) of Leighton, Alabama; Laven Coffey of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Amy Neloms of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Jewel L. Eggleston (Leo) of Huntsville, Alabama; and Tiesha Ross of Louisville, Kentucky. He leaves behind four brothers: Richard A. King (Alice) of Louisville, Kentucky; Jeffery Handley of Louisville Kentucky, Frank Howard King (Juanita) of Seattle, Washington; and Randy Harden of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Charles’s legacy continues through his eight grandchildren: Lierra Martin (Michael) of Birmingham, Alabama; DeAsia Harden of Louisville, Kentucky; Britney Harden of Dallas, Texas; Travis Watson of Louisville, Kentucky; Demetrion “Mista” Harden Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky; Devin Harden of Louisville, Kentucky; Zariah Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky; and Joel “Dudues”/”Bob” Taylor II of Louisville, Kentucky. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Damarion and Kailux of Decatur, Alabama, and Karter, Ka’zyia, Jaidah, Jailah, Jamar, and Messiah, all of Louisville, Kentucky. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, life long bond with Anna Harden and a host of close friends.

Charles’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, faith, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.