James Earl Hardin, who resided in Booneville, died Friday, April 23, 2021 in Booneville. He was born June 4, 1944, in Paris, Arkansas, to the late Earl S. Hardin and Catheline (James) Hardin. He was 76 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Judi Patterson and Paul Hardin.

Earl was retired from the USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research Center in Booneville.  He was known as the "HoneyMan" to his customers, having been a beekeeper for over 30 years and has always credited the bees and the hobby for giving him a new purpose in life.  He was a member of the Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Beekeepers Association and an avid member of the Fort Smith Farmers Market since 2003 on Garrison Avenue and other regular craft fairs.  He has had articles written about him and his craft that led to invitations to give talks/lectures through different agencies and groups on the importance of bees, their need and help to our lives and planet.  Earl was a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard serving for 32 years, part of which time was in the Vietnam War. He was a staff sergeant and finished his service with Bravo Battery I-206th FA. He was a member of Long Ridge Baptist Church. Earl was well known for his honey, kindness and generosity to others and always lent a hand. He will be missed at the "round table" drinking tea or coffee and having a meal with friends. He had the heart of a social butterfly.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 ^th , at Long Ridge Baptist Church in Booneville, with Bro. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Carolan Cemetery in Booneville under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dian (Scott) Hardin; his daughters, Deedra Ann Rogers and husband Eric and Deanna Kay Bradford and husband, Barry, all of Booneville; a sister, Sally Hardin of Booneville; four brothers, David, Donnie and Tommy Hardin all of Booneville and Larry Hardin of King City, California; one sister-in-law Janice Hardin of Waldron; grandchildren, Tyler Rogers and fiancé Aleah, Caleb Richardson, Creek, Rylie and Charlie Bradford.

Pallbearers are from his National Guard Unit, Kip Hice, Alan Jackson, Robert Smith, James Collier, Brandon Reider and Christopher Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are Gerald Franklin, Billy Don Crawley, Ron Collier, Daniel Jackson, David Reider, Kit Parker, Barney Dale Parker, Jim Rodatz, Hubb Brooks and George Garrett.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Long Ridge Baptist Church in Booneville.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com .