Pastor Thomas “Tommy” Eugene Hardeman, age 74 of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at his home.Pastor Hardeman was born on Sunday, January 22, 1939 to the late Lester C. and Jeanette Hillerbrand Hardeman. He was the pastor and member of Highland Baptist Church in Blue Ridge. Pastor Hardeman had served in the United States Army. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joann Holtzclaw and God grandchild, Reagon Ethington.

Surviving are his wife Sandra Childers Hardeman of the home; two God children, Aly Golden Ethington of Lexington, KY and Josh Golden of Blue Ridge, GA; brothers, Lester Hardeman of Blue Ridge, GA and David Hardeman of Loganville, GA, sister, Gayle Sanders of Suwanee, GA; God-grandchildren, Jordan Golden, Chasen Ethington, Hudson Ethington and Ali Ethington also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Fred Howard, Rev. Bryon Ethington and Rev. Rusty Thomas officiating. Music will be by Jennifer Howard and Chuck Hardeman. Pallbearers will be Brian Hardeman, Matthew Hardeman, Marshall Childers, Steve Childers, Russell Holley and Brian Brannon. Interment will follow in the Big Creek Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.on Monday, September 9, 2013. Condolences may be made to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.