Mr. Edward Earl “Ed” Harthcock, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Brandon, Mississippi during the morning of Saturday, March 19th 2016. He was born on January 12th 1940 in Holmes County to the parents of Earl Thomas and Ruby Roberts Harthcock who preceded him in death. He grew up in Lexington, Mississippi where he enjoyed playing and later working as a teenager in his parent’s store, Harthcock’s Grocery. While still in high school, he joined the National Guard at age 15. He was very proud of the fact that he was the youngest Sergeant in his battalion. He served from 1955 to 1963 in the Battery B Field Artillery Battalion. For much of his career he worked at J.M. Hoff Inc. He maintained many friendships during this part of his life and many that he cherished throughout his lifetime. In 1988, Mr. Harthcock’s career path led him and his family to move to Philadelphia, Mississippi where he worked for Edwards Electric Service. Later, he worked as a Project Manager and Estimator for both B & B Electric and once again at Edwards Electric Service before retiring from a 45-year career in the electrical industry. In 1959, Ed met Katherine “Geneva” Tucker and they married the next year. Ed and Geneva had 5 children whom they considered their greatest blessings. He was married to Geneva for 38 years before she preceded him in death in 1999. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Earl Thomas Harthcock and Ruby Roberts Harthcock. Ed Harthcock was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Lexington, Mississippi. He was also very proud that he was the oldest living member of Beulah Baptist. His hobbies and passions evolved around his love for the great outdoors. He was an avid and lifelong hunter and fisherman. Mr. Harthcock also loved cars and motorcycles. He owned different motorcycles during his life and was known to enjoy his time while riding along scenic roads in Mississippi. In 2006, Ed and his three sons were able to enjoy a dream hunting trip to Colorado. Just this month he was able to take a drive in a 1974 Ford F100 that belonged to his father and had recently gone through a full restoration process. He dearly loved when his daughters, that live in Philadelphia, would come to spend the weekends with him in Brandon. In 2003, Ed Harthcock married Peggy Downs and through this marriage, he gained another daughter and blessing, Michelle Downs, whom he loved very much. Ed and Peggy enjoyed travel and vacationing as well as many family get togethers in their home to celebrate holidays, birthdays and many other occasions. Family time was very important to him and he was the happiest when he and Peggy were together with family. His children and grandchildren fondly and lovingly referred to his as “Pops”. Winnie Wilson and Edgar Massingill, Peggy’s aunt and father that both lived with Peggy and Ed for a while, also became a significant part of his life. They both were very special to Ed as well as his family. Mr. Harthcock is survived by his wife, Peggy Massingill Downs Harthcock of 13 years. He is survived by his children, Mike Harthcock and Karen of Brandon, MS, Lisa Harthcock Anthony of Philadelphia, MS, Michelle Downs of Byram, MS, Keith Harthcock of Brandon, Kevin Harthcock and Kim of Brandon, Kelly Harthcock and Shannon of Philadelphia, along with seven grandchildren, Magen Harthcock Jordan (Drew) of Brandon, Blake Harthcock of Brandon, Jessica Harthcock of Brandon, Katie Alford (Jason) of Philadelphia, Shelby Anthony of Philadelphia, Justin Harthcock of Brandon, Tucker Sullivan of Philadelphia and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Harthcock Wiley of Jackson, MS
Funeral services will be 2 pm Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home in Lexington. Visitation will be 5 til 7 pm Wednesday, March 23, 2016 also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lexington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, P.O. Box 629, Lexington, MS 39095.

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