Wanda Harding

Giving can be defined as the act of letting go or doing something that a person does not have to do. In Martin County, we are blessed to have many donors who practice giving on a regular basis. Their donations benefit our community in a way that is unforgettable. They give to their families, friends, and their community not just once but repeatedly. The Martin County Community Foundation searched for someone who practiced giving effortlessly to try and understand the motivations and desires that make giving a natural part of who they are. We remember Wanda Harding to be precisely just this person. 

Wanda Harding had an undeniably kind soul. She made giving a big part of her life. While humble and concerned that talking about her history of giving would create misconceptions, Wanda shared enough with our Community Foundation before her passing that created a story worth sharing for all to read.

First and foremost, Wanda did not donate for recognition; her giving came from her heart and was an expression of appreciation for what she had received. This resulted in a strong desire to give back to our community. When her husband, Leo, was still living, they both practiced giving back to their community through involvement in many ways. Leo was instrumental in nurturing the Shoals Community. His volunteer spirit and active leadership on numerous boards are legendary and dear to our hearts.

Only days after his death, in 1994, the Shoals Adult Booster Club recommended renaming the baseball field “Harding Diamond” in recognition of Leo’s 32 years as a volunteer baseball coach. The Shoals School Board approved without hesitation.

Other organizations, such as East Fork Water, came into being with Leo’s guidance. The value of having clean water in homes and on farms throughout Martin County cannot be undervalued. Leo was a big reason that East Fork Water exists today. Needless to say, Leo’s gracious giving motivated his kind wife, Wanda, to follow in his footsteps.

They say that “behind every good man is a good woman.” The reality is that they were usually walking side-by-side, encouraging each other along the ride. Wanda was involved in many community endeavors. Her list of community organizations included, the Shoals Library Board, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shoals Adult Booster Club, Loogootee Women’s Club, Martin County Council on Aging, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the East Fork Water board. After Leo passed away, Wanda continued to support the multiple organizations Leo had helped form, in addition to the new organizations she had dreams of starting.

Wanda was one of the first people to be approached about the Martin County Community Foundation in 1999 by the then President, Carla Harner. The idea that Martin County could have a community foundation that supported a community she and her husband loved so much was music to Wanda’s ears. This encouraged Wanda’s first endowment fund in 1999, The Leo Harding Memorial Fund. Its purpose is to support the baseball field Leo so loved.

How appropriate it was that the first fund be named for Leo Harding. One can imagine that he would be proud that Wanda was willing to continue their spirit of giving through the establishment of this fund. Wanda is also the founding donor of the Leo Harding Family Fund and the Shoals Library Fund. These funds are unrestricted grant making endowments. Each of these endowment funds will distribute regular payments to the entities they support. As we always say, “For Good. Forever. For Martin County”. Wanda truly put the emphasis on all three of these actions.

“Wanda Harding set a very good example for all of us in her giving of time and resources to further the mission of the Martin County Community Foundation,” said Tony Nonte, Board President at that time. Her service to the Martin County Community Foundation is unforgettable. In 2014, Wanda was recognized as one of Martin County’s Philanthropists of the Year.

In addition to Wanda and Leo’s generous doings, they also raised a family to be very proud of. There are five children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Wanda and Leo had at least one child in school for 40 consecutive years proving they recognized the value of a good education.

It is true that Wanda and Leo had good fortune, but by working together, they achieved success on many levels. Family, business, and community are areas of their lives that will be recipients of their mutual success forever. The word “giving” defines Wanda Harding very well. Martin County Community Foundation is forever grateful for all her good works and philanthropic donations. A true cycle of care grows because of the Harding Family’s contributions.