James Robert "Bob" Hardin

James Robert "Bob" Hardin, 80, of Savannah, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in Jackson, Tennessee. He was born on April 18, 1946, in Savannah, Tennessee, to Robert Gilmore "Rob" and Magdalene Clausel Hardin.

He was known by many names to those he loved and who loved him, but his favorite was being called "Poppa" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was "Bob", "Bob Hardin", and sometimes "Julio" to his family and friends depending on the circumstance or conversation.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his brother in-law, Billy Elam, and his nephew, Brad Elem.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Jo Nesbitt Hardin; his children, Amanda Thomas (Tim), Michael Abrams, and Jeffery Abrams; his grandchildren, Joshua Thomas (Morgan), Jordan Thomas

(Teresa), Jacob Thomas, and Hunter Abrams; his great-grandchildren, Acker, Beckham, Caris, Emma, and Delaney Thomas. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Elam; niece, Cindy Elem Garrard; great niece and nephews, along with many cousins and dear friends.

Bob attended Freed-Hardeman and Lipscomb Universities. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Savannah, Tennessee, where his faith was an important part of his life from childhood through adulthood.

Through his career, Bob worked in Atlanta, Georgia, for many years in a department store before moving back to Savannah, Tennessee, and opening a home decorating business with his mother. Together they spent many years assisting families with home decorations and custom window treatments (made by Magdalene, of course). Later, he served as a correctional officer at SCCF (South Central Correctional Facility) in Clifton, Tennessee.

Bob found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved gardening and flowers of all kinds, pickling and canning all the vegetables harvested from the garden with Sarah Jo, and watching hummingbirds' dart around the many feeders on the back porch. In his high school days, he played the saxophone in the school's marching band and later he played the sax in a band with friends. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, neighbors, and friends, who brought him immeasurable happiness and were among his greatest blessings. And anyone who ever spent more than fifteen minutes with him has heard some story or other, whether from his own childhood adventures in Olive Hill while visiting family or some other event in the history of Savannah or parts around, in his slow, low-timbered voice. He loved to tell stories from his and Dorothy's (and all his cousins') childhood of visiting family and friends from near and far.

He was quick with a smile and a story, enjoyed visiting with friends, and found his greatest happiness surrounded by family. His quiet faith, generous heart, and steady presence left a lasting impression on those who spent time with him. Everyone that knew and loved Bob know that Olive Hill, time spent at "the creek", and the stories he so loved to tell will never be the same. Though he will be missed, his legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of his family and friends.