Preston Calvin Harding, Sr. triumphantly entered through Heaven's gates on Tuesday, November 25, 2014. He was the fifth of nine children born to the late Mr. Arthur M. and Mrs. Mildred S. Harding in Portsmouth, Virginia. The son of an acclaimed Negro League baseball player, Preston developed an innate acumen for athletics, determination in competition, and deep appreciation of sportsmanship and fair play that would span a lifetime.
Educated in Portsmouth Public Schools; Preston was a 1969 honor graduate of I. C. Norcom High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity tennis, and intramural football and baseball teams; and as an accomplished trombonist, Preston served as a 4-year officer in the orchestra, concert band, and Greyhound marching band.
Preston was reared, baptized, and served in Zion Bethel United Church of Christ under several ministries and auxiliaries including, Youth department, Mass Choir and Male Chorus, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Men's department, and Trustee Board. He later joined Grove Baptist Church, and was a faithful member until his transition to Glory.
He graduated Cum Laude in 1973 from Norfolk State University, where he played baseball, and was a member of Spartan Legion marching band. Preston also proudly served as a member of the Norfolk Teacher Corps in Washington, D.C. from 1971-1973; and continued his formal education at New York University, as well as Hampton University.
Preston's sports leadership career began in 1973 as the football, basketball, and tennis coach at B. T. Washington Junior High, and the 2nd African-American football coach in the history of Suffolk High School. He would continue for over 40 years officiating at the collegiate, high school, and community team levels in volleyball, baseball, basketball, and football alike. Well known and respected for his integrity, character, and expertise; Preston was appointed to serve in additional capacities, including President, Co-Chairman of the Training and Probationary Officials class of the SEFOA, President of the Hampton Roads Board of Officials of the CIAA/NCAA, and leader of several play-off and championship game official crews. Preston was the recipient of several post-season "Arthur 'Stretch' Gardner Awards", and was inducted into the CIAA Official's Hall of Fame in February of 2009. In August 2012, his heart for fair athletic competition was further recognized when awarded the inaugural "MEAC Eric McCoy Award" for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the MEAC Officials Association and his community at large. Ever the enthusiast, Preston proudly served in his post-retirement as MEAC Neutral Observer through 2013.
A graduate of the Portsmouth City Schools Leadership Academy, Preston gave 40 faithful years in education as a teacher, Dean of Students, Grade Level Chairman, School Improvement Chair, as well as Athletic Director in Portsmouth Public Schools. Twice selected as Teacher of the Year, he was honored to be once again recognized as the 2011Teacher of the Year at the New Directions Center in Portsmouth.
To many he was "Ref", others, "Coach", or "Mr. Ha-a-a-rding" in the classroom; but to his wife, he was her soul mate. To his children, "Da"; to his grandchildren "Dadda"; to his mother, beloved son; his siblings, nieces, and nephews, "Pressy", and to his Erra, "Big P". No matter the title or how he may have touched your life; Preston's legacy will forever resonate as a true example of Godly manhood, love and dedication to family, and of a devoted leader to countless students in the classroom, court, or ball field.
He leaves to cherish these memories: his wife of 42 years, Millicent H. Harding, daughter, Sherae Harding-Griffin (Troy) of Dallas, TX, son, Preston Harding, Jr. (Temisha) of Chesapeake, god-daughter/great-niece, Tiarra Hunter-Bishop (Brandon) of Chesapeake, and mother, Mrs. Mildred S. Harding of Portsmouth. Granddaughters, Raven, Jazmin, Jaida, Brailee, and grandson Zion. Sisters, Valerie Brown (James), Lena Williams (Leroy), Vanginette Benton (Michael), Karen Gulley (LaMarr), Crystal Patillo (Charles), brother, Arthur Harding, Jr. (Marcella), and sister-in-law, Anne Harding. Uncle, Moses Whitaker, Sr. (Catherine). Brothers-in-law, Edward Hunt, Jr. (Helen), Marvin Hunt, Dion Hunt (Linda), sisters-in-law, Evora Hunt-Mills, Varetta Pugh, and Duana Hunt-Branch; as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Eric Harding and Randall Harding.
Educated in Portsmouth Public Schools; Preston was a 1969 honor graduate of I. C. Norcom High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity tennis, and intramural football and baseball teams; and as an accomplished trombonist, Preston served as a 4-year officer in the orchestra, concert band, and Greyhound marching band.
Preston was reared, baptized, and served in Zion Bethel United Church of Christ under several ministries and auxiliaries including, Youth department, Mass Choir and Male Chorus, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Men's department, and Trustee Board. He later joined Grove Baptist Church, and was a faithful member until his transition to Glory.
He graduated Cum Laude in 1973 from Norfolk State University, where he played baseball, and was a member of Spartan Legion marching band. Preston also proudly served as a member of the Norfolk Teacher Corps in Washington, D.C. from 1971-1973; and continued his formal education at New York University, as well as Hampton University.
Preston's sports leadership career began in 1973 as the football, basketball, and tennis coach at B. T. Washington Junior High, and the 2nd African-American football coach in the history of Suffolk High School. He would continue for over 40 years officiating at the collegiate, high school, and community team levels in volleyball, baseball, basketball, and football alike. Well known and respected for his integrity, character, and expertise; Preston was appointed to serve in additional capacities, including President, Co-Chairman of the Training and Probationary Officials class of the SEFOA, President of the Hampton Roads Board of Officials of the CIAA/NCAA, and leader of several play-off and championship game official crews. Preston was the recipient of several post-season "Arthur 'Stretch' Gardner Awards", and was inducted into the CIAA Official's Hall of Fame in February of 2009. In August 2012, his heart for fair athletic competition was further recognized when awarded the inaugural "MEAC Eric McCoy Award" for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the MEAC Officials Association and his community at large. Ever the enthusiast, Preston proudly served in his post-retirement as MEAC Neutral Observer through 2013.
A graduate of the Portsmouth City Schools Leadership Academy, Preston gave 40 faithful years in education as a teacher, Dean of Students, Grade Level Chairman, School Improvement Chair, as well as Athletic Director in Portsmouth Public Schools. Twice selected as Teacher of the Year, he was honored to be once again recognized as the 2011Teacher of the Year at the New Directions Center in Portsmouth.
To many he was "Ref", others, "Coach", or "Mr. Ha-a-a-rding" in the classroom; but to his wife, he was her soul mate. To his children, "Da"; to his grandchildren "Dadda"; to his mother, beloved son; his siblings, nieces, and nephews, "Pressy", and to his Erra, "Big P". No matter the title or how he may have touched your life; Preston's legacy will forever resonate as a true example of Godly manhood, love and dedication to family, and of a devoted leader to countless students in the classroom, court, or ball field.
He leaves to cherish these memories: his wife of 42 years, Millicent H. Harding, daughter, Sherae Harding-Griffin (Troy) of Dallas, TX, son, Preston Harding, Jr. (Temisha) of Chesapeake, god-daughter/great-niece, Tiarra Hunter-Bishop (Brandon) of Chesapeake, and mother, Mrs. Mildred S. Harding of Portsmouth. Granddaughters, Raven, Jazmin, Jaida, Brailee, and grandson Zion. Sisters, Valerie Brown (James), Lena Williams (Leroy), Vanginette Benton (Michael), Karen Gulley (LaMarr), Crystal Patillo (Charles), brother, Arthur Harding, Jr. (Marcella), and sister-in-law, Anne Harding. Uncle, Moses Whitaker, Sr. (Catherine). Brothers-in-law, Edward Hunt, Jr. (Helen), Marvin Hunt, Dion Hunt (Linda), sisters-in-law, Evora Hunt-Mills, Varetta Pugh, and Duana Hunt-Branch; as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Eric Harding and Randall Harding.
Preston Calvin Harding, Sr. triumphantly entered through Heaven's gates on Tuesday, November 25, 2014. He was the fifth of nine children born to the late Mr. Arthur M. and Mrs. Mildred S. Harding in Portsmouth, Virginia. The son of an acclaimed Negro League baseball player, Preston developed an innate acumen for athletics, determination in competition, and deep appreciation of sportsmanship and fair play that would span a lifetime.
Educated in Portsmouth Public Schools; Preston was a 1969 honor graduate of I. C. Norcom High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity tennis, and intramural football and baseball teams; and as an accomplished trombonist, Preston served as a 4-year officer in the orchestra, concert band, and Greyhound marching band.
Preston was reared, baptized, and served in Zion Bethel United Church of Christ under several ministries and auxiliaries including, Youth department, Mass Choir and Male Chorus, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Men's department, and Trustee Board. He later joined Grove Baptist Church, and was a faithful member until his transition to Glory.
He graduated Cum Laude in 1973 from Norfolk State University, where he played baseball, and was a member of Spartan Legion marching band. Preston also proudly served as a member of the Norfolk Teacher Corps in Washington, D.C. from 1971-1973; and continued his formal education at New York University, as well as Hampton University.
Preston's sports leadership career began in 1973 as the football, basketball, and tennis coach at B. T. Washington Junior High, and the 2nd African-American football coach in the history of Suffolk High School. He would continue for over 40 years officiating at the collegiate, high school, and community team levels in volleyball, baseball, basketball, and football alike. Well known and respected for his integrity, character, and expertise; Preston was appointed to serve in additional capacities, including President, Co-Chairman of the Training and Probationary Officials class of the SEFOA, President of the Hampton Roads Board of Officials of the CIAA/NCAA, and leader of several play-off and championship game official crews. Preston was the recipient of several post-season "Arthur 'Stretch' Gardner Awards", and was inducted into the CIAA Official's Hall of Fame in February of 2009. In August 2012, his heart for fair athletic competition was further recognized when awarded the inaugural "MEAC Eric McCoy Award" for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the MEAC Officials Association and his community at large. Ever the enthusiast, Preston proudly served in his post-retirement as MEAC Neutral Observer through 2013.
A graduate of the Portsmouth City Schools Leadership Academy, Preston gave 40 faithful years in education as a teacher, Dean of Students, Grade Level Chairman, School Improvement Chair, as well as Athletic Director in Portsmouth Public Schools. Twice selected as Teacher of the Year, he was honored to be once again recognized as the 2011Teacher of the Year at the New Directions Center in Portsmouth.
To many he was "Ref", others, "Coach", or "Mr. Ha-a-a-rding" in the classroom; but to his wife, he was her soul mate. To his children, "Da"; to his grandchildren "Dadda"; to his mother, beloved son; his siblings, nieces, and nephews, "Pressy", and to his Erra, "Big P". No matter the title or how he may have touched your life; Preston's legacy will forever resonate as a true example of Godly manhood, love and dedication to family, and of a devoted leader to countless students in the classroom, court, or ball field.
He leaves to cherish these memories: his wife of 42 years, Millicent H. Harding, daughter, Sherae Harding-Griffin (Troy) of Dallas, TX, son, Preston Harding, Jr. (Temisha) of Chesapeake, god-daughter/great-niece, Tiarra Hunter-Bishop (Brandon) of Chesapeake, and mother, Mrs. Mildred S. Harding of Portsmouth. Granddaughters, Raven, Jazmin, Jaida, Brailee, and grandson Zion. Sisters, Valerie Brown (James), Lena Williams (Leroy), Vanginette Benton (Michael), Karen Gulley (LaMarr), Crystal Patillo (Charles), brother, Arthur Harding, Jr. (Marcella), and sister-in-law, Anne Harding. Uncle, Moses Whitaker, Sr. (Catherine). Brothers-in-law, Edward Hunt, Jr. (Helen), Marvin Hunt, Dion Hunt (Linda), sisters-in-law, Evora Hunt-Mills, Varetta Pugh, and Duana Hunt-Branch; as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Eric Harding and Randall Harding.
Educated in Portsmouth Public Schools; Preston was a 1969 honor graduate of I. C. Norcom High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the varsity tennis, and intramural football and baseball teams; and as an accomplished trombonist, Preston served as a 4-year officer in the orchestra, concert band, and Greyhound marching band.
Preston was reared, baptized, and served in Zion Bethel United Church of Christ under several ministries and auxiliaries including, Youth department, Mass Choir and Male Chorus, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Men's department, and Trustee Board. He later joined Grove Baptist Church, and was a faithful member until his transition to Glory.
He graduated Cum Laude in 1973 from Norfolk State University, where he played baseball, and was a member of Spartan Legion marching band. Preston also proudly served as a member of the Norfolk Teacher Corps in Washington, D.C. from 1971-1973; and continued his formal education at New York University, as well as Hampton University.
Preston's sports leadership career began in 1973 as the football, basketball, and tennis coach at B. T. Washington Junior High, and the 2nd African-American football coach in the history of Suffolk High School. He would continue for over 40 years officiating at the collegiate, high school, and community team levels in volleyball, baseball, basketball, and football alike. Well known and respected for his integrity, character, and expertise; Preston was appointed to serve in additional capacities, including President, Co-Chairman of the Training and Probationary Officials class of the SEFOA, President of the Hampton Roads Board of Officials of the CIAA/NCAA, and leader of several play-off and championship game official crews. Preston was the recipient of several post-season "Arthur 'Stretch' Gardner Awards", and was inducted into the CIAA Official's Hall of Fame in February of 2009. In August 2012, his heart for fair athletic competition was further recognized when awarded the inaugural "MEAC Eric McCoy Award" for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the MEAC Officials Association and his community at large. Ever the enthusiast, Preston proudly served in his post-retirement as MEAC Neutral Observer through 2013.
A graduate of the Portsmouth City Schools Leadership Academy, Preston gave 40 faithful years in education as a teacher, Dean of Students, Grade Level Chairman, School Improvement Chair, as well as Athletic Director in Portsmouth Public Schools. Twice selected as Teacher of the Year, he was honored to be once again recognized as the 2011Teacher of the Year at the New Directions Center in Portsmouth.
To many he was "Ref", others, "Coach", or "Mr. Ha-a-a-rding" in the classroom; but to his wife, he was her soul mate. To his children, "Da"; to his grandchildren "Dadda"; to his mother, beloved son; his siblings, nieces, and nephews, "Pressy", and to his Erra, "Big P". No matter the title or how he may have touched your life; Preston's legacy will forever resonate as a true example of Godly manhood, love and dedication to family, and of a devoted leader to countless students in the classroom, court, or ball field.
He leaves to cherish these memories: his wife of 42 years, Millicent H. Harding, daughter, Sherae Harding-Griffin (Troy) of Dallas, TX, son, Preston Harding, Jr. (Temisha) of Chesapeake, god-daughter/great-niece, Tiarra Hunter-Bishop (Brandon) of Chesapeake, and mother, Mrs. Mildred S. Harding of Portsmouth. Granddaughters, Raven, Jazmin, Jaida, Brailee, and grandson Zion. Sisters, Valerie Brown (James), Lena Williams (Leroy), Vanginette Benton (Michael), Karen Gulley (LaMarr), Crystal Patillo (Charles), brother, Arthur Harding, Jr. (Marcella), and sister-in-law, Anne Harding. Uncle, Moses Whitaker, Sr. (Catherine). Brothers-in-law, Edward Hunt, Jr. (Helen), Marvin Hunt, Dion Hunt (Linda), sisters-in-law, Evora Hunt-Mills, Varetta Pugh, and Duana Hunt-Branch; as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Eric Harding and Randall Harding.
Gravesite Details
"My Soul Is Anchored In The Lord"
