Home » Past Obituaries » Fred Victor (Vic) Harding

Fred Victor (Vic) Harding

Fred Victor Harding (Vic), went home to be with his heavenly Father on July 7, 2020. Born on May 7, 1954 in Puerto Rico (Rodriguez Army Hospital), son of Warren G. Harding and Martha Pinkston Harding. Vic lived in Lebanon, TN, for the past 3 years. Prior to living in Lebanon, he lived in Upland, California for 40 years, where he and his wife Linda raised their family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, trainer and friend- he was married to Linda Yocum, the love of his life for 43 years.

Vic had a passion for strength, both spiritually and physically. In his professional career, the idiom of “Jack of all trades, master of none” could be applied, although, requires a slight modification. He mastered every trade he went into due to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and dedication to perfection. He would often quote Vince Lombardi, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect”. From coaching college football, to training elite athletes, to teaching college classes and ultimately private consulting, he cared for his players, his trainees, and his students above all else. Vic was a giver without a thought of receiving, a motivator who never needed external motivation, and a teacher who sought knowledge in every aspect of his life.

After meeting and touring with the musical group “I Love America Bicentennial Cavalcade”, Vic and Linda were married in Upland. Vic and Linda, led the Power Unlimited Youth Choir.  Vic also taught Sunday school, making the Bible come alive for children. Most recently as a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon, Vic sang in the adult choir, worked with Children’s Choir, and taught in Vacation Bible School.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Harding of Lebanon, three children, James Harding (Nicole) of Mt. Juliet, TN, Bryan Harding (Paige) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Rachael Brady (Tommy) of Manhattan, KS. Surviving relatives include his grandchildren: Cason Harding, Elizabeth Harding, Rowen Harding, Titus Brady, Brylie Brady, step-mother: Jean Harding, brothers: Van Harding and Dana Harding, sisters: Shelia Cannon and Barbi Wright.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James S. Harding.

A celebration of the life of Vic Harding will be held at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home, 241 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087 on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Bro. Jon Ferguson.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615) 444-2142   www.ligonbob.com

Messages for the Family

  1. Patricia Kinnick says:
    Linda and family. I am so sorry for your loss. So glad to have shared a friendship for a few years. I think of you often. Such fond memories. Praying for God’s incredible peace to Comfort you. Love Patty.
    • Laura Brownton says:
      Linda and family, My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you. Your friendship over the years, the precious times we’ve had with your family, the quality of the person Vic was, all these have blessed me (and Mark) over the years. I am thankful to share in some of your ministry purposes and look forward to a day when we see each other again. Much Love, Laura Lee
    • Laura Lee Brownton says:
      Linda and family, My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you. Your friendship over the years, the precious times we’ve had with your family, the quality of the person Vic was, all these have blessed me (and Mark) over the years. I am thankful to share in some of your ministry purposes and look forward to a day when we see each other again. Much Love, Laura Lee
  2. Dee Dee Schroeder says:
    I have always had the highest of honor for Vic and his lovely, talented wife, Linda. Power Unlimited was an experience of spiritual growth, unity and witness for Jesus. Vic will always be smiling and remembered for his incredible zeal for serving Christ and edifying everyone around him. I’m so excited he is finally home ~ and time flies in heaven, since one day there is as a thousand years here! We’ll all be there in time for lunch! God bless and comfort all in the Way only He can. PS 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
  3. Peggy Sorenson says:
    We are so sorry for your loss, dear Harding family. We have such fond memories of our time together at Foothill Baptist and the youth group there…..especially the Power
    Unlimited Choir! we send our sympathy and love and pray for God’s
    comfort during this time of grieving the loss of your loved one.
    Bob and Peggy Sorenson
  4. Jim weiss says:
    Sorry for your loss
    • Lorelle Parkes says:
      Steve and I were so saddened by Vic’s passing, even though we know we will see him again. I am sorry he had to suffer, and you & your family had to go through this tough journey. You are in our prayers. We love you, and are glad you have a Church family to comfort & encourage you.
      Much love to you. Lorelle & Steve Parkes
  5. Bonnie Perez says:
    Bonnie (Strickler) and John Perez
  6. Guillermo Calvillo says:
    Dear Harding family,
    Rooted brought us to the blessing of meeting Vic & Linda in Pomona, CA
    We developed a relationship where Christ was always the center, I will always remember his guidance and wise words, his encouragement for me to get in shape and him there to teach me at the LA Fitness in La Verne.
    Only fond and beautiful memories come along at the mention of his name.
    Godspeed my brother!
    • Hank 8 Judy Zibell says:
      My heart is full of gratitude for the positive
      Influence that Vic & Linda showed to our very blended family. We feel blessed to have Your family in our lives. It is wonderful to know we will meet you soon in our Heavenly Home, where there will be no more pain or sorrow. Your family will be in our prayers.

      Blended family.

  7. Sylvia preston says:
    Linda. I am so sorry for your loss. Going up for you and your family and that God keep His big loving arms wrapped around you for comfort and strength. ❤️
  8. Robert McLogan says:
    I’m terribly sorry to hear of the loss. Vic was a great guy and fantastic father. I had the pleasure of playing football in HS with his son Bryan. He was at every game, and would often take time to work out with us and coach us through drills during the offseason. He was always positive and encouraging, and unselfishly committed his time to help us improve both as players and young men. I pray that the Lord give the Harding family peace and comfort in such a hard time.

    Much love from the McLogan family.

  9. Pam and Ken Smith says:
    Dear Linda and family,
    Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Vics passing. Praying for God’s comfort and praising him for the hope and promise of heaven and eternal life! Much
  10. Guillermo Escalante says:
    Dear Linda and Family:

    I am deeply sorry for your loss. Vic was a great teacher and mentor of mine when we worked together at Fortanasce PT in Arcadia. He always challenged us to think outside the box and taught us the latest information in strength and conditioning. In addition to being a great mentor, he was an amazing person that led by example. God bless you and your family.

  11. Lorraine Brimmer says:
    I am sorry for your loss of Vic. Happy he’s out of pain and suffering and in Heaven rejoicing . I lost my Vic eight years this August. It’s hard but I know you want God’s will. HE will comfort and encourage you during this tender time I’ve been so impressed with you Linda during this time in your life. ( and yes, time certainly helps). God bless you and your family.
  12. Tami (Sihler) Keesler says:
    I am so sorry for your loss Linda. Having you and Vic as leaders for Power Unlimited meant a lot to me and others. You both made a difference in the lives of all that knew you. I am proud and thankful I had you as leaders and friends. I am glad I was able to see you a few years ago and catch up on things. Vic was tough but loving and a father figure to many of us. I will keep you and your family in prayer. I know we will see him again.
  13. Sandy Short Farnell says:
    Dear Linda and Family,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Vics passing. I have such fond memories of playing the piano and singing with you both in One Life and being under your direction in Power Unlimited. Vic was always such a joyful uplifting encouragement to everyone he met. I know he will be deeply missed until we are all reunited one day. Much love to you all.
  14. Gary Kelly says:
    Linda sorry for your loss. We sang in the choir at Sunrise; worked the Weekend Express at SBVC. Thanks for the times we shared.
  15. Alfredo Sadun says:
    Vic was a physical therapist/trainer when I hurt myself. I was amazed by his passion for understanding the underlying principles of biomechanics. We ended up performing and publishing studies. Each time I came in for therapy, he would talk intensely about the body, science, philosophy, history and the bible. His knowledge base was amazing. We became friends. And he knew how to motivate me. He pushed me through hard rehab by making it play. When he learned that I played quarterback (at MIT, this wasn’t an impressive thing), he put me through quarterback drills to take advantage of old muscle memories. Throughout this process, I was most impressed by his dedication, intelligence, passion and generosity. He would do anything to help. He faced his death with the same combination of curiosity and courage with which he lived his life. His spirit was very large. His departure leaves behind a gaping vacuum.
    • Lilian Chen says:
      Vic and I worked together with the Olympics teams in China. He was loved by all athletes and coaches as well as the staff, as he cared for helping them intensely in every session when we were there. I will always miss those years. Vic is a man of integrity, kind and loyal. His love and devotion to Linda and family was always very touching to me. Linda, thank you for supporting him working with me overseas!
  16. Casey Chaney says:
    Dear Linda and all Harding children and grandchildren,
    I am truly sorry for your loss. Vic was a colleague and a friend. He will be missed by so many. Vic made everyone he encountered better by challenging each of us and always generously sharing his knowledge. Strong in every sense he loved his family, loved the Lord and loved learning. May he Rest In Peace – but somehow I find that an unlikely image of Vic – rather I picture Vic having some intense conversations with saints and angels- still learning and still sharing. We have lost a truly Good Man here in earth.
  17. Maryhelen E Sweet says:
    Dear Linda and Family,
    All of us remember Vic when our children were young growing up and our hearts go out to all of you. We know it will be a challenge dealing with his loss; however, he is now at peace with God. Our family sends your family healing prayers and comforting hugs for you and Vic. Sincere Wishes.
  18. Donna Day says:
    I’m a friend of Dana and Barbie, and go to same church as Dana. We feel like we know Vic as he has been the theme of many of Dana sentences. Sincere condolences to Vics family. Praying for you.
  19. BONNIE FULMER says:
    Linda and Rachel and family, I send my deepest sympathy and feel your loss. The hope in these times is knowing that Vic is reaping the rewards for a life well lived. It will be a glorious day when you are reunited with him in heaven! You are in my prayers.
  20. Brian Gridley says:
    In Lisbon Falls HS, Vic would carry a Bible to class. Led what had been a sorry team to a championship season. Not everyone who follows Jesus have a champion season on earth, but they end up winning it all!
  21. Richard Parker says:
    Went to High School with Vic, in Lisbon Falls, Maine..Vic was always a good friend an a real example of Christ..I’m so sorry. God Bless you all.
  22. Richard Waters Jr says:
    Vic, Van and I went to word of life together, their dad took us. I also had the privilege of playing football with him. I lived in Lisbon Falls
  23. Andy Gardner says:
    I met Vic and Linda at Foothill Baptist Church in 1978 when I attended Upland high. Vic and I shared a lot of interests at church, sports, and in exercise-related careers. Vic was a big reason why I pursued exercise physiology while he studied biomechanics. We even car-pooled together for a year going to Azusa Pacific. Vic really knew his stuff, was a great teacher, was a great Christian role model, and was a great friend who I looked up to like an older brother. He had a very funny sense of humor, which many may not have seen. We shared a lot of great times and I will miss our conversations and times together.
  24. Jim Harding says:
    Hi Vic’s family. I am cousin, Jim, Just watched Vic’s memorial service. Both Vic and our Lord Jesus were definitely honored. I would love to share the Harding family history with you some time. Dana knows how to get ahold of me. .
  25. Kelly Wilson Schickler says:
    Linda, a fond memory, Vic asked me to sing a solo on tour. I was very shy and had been afraid to even think of trying out. It built confidence in my young youth. That built a foundation that God could use even me. You both are such a blessing! Prayers for you and your family. Prayers of comfort strength and peace.