Michael Dean Hardin, 70, of Elgin, South Carolina, died on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Born on July 23, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Richard Norman Hardin, Jr. and Betty Jean Shaver Hardin.

He was married to his wife, Taffy, for 43 years. They were high school sweethearts who built a lifetime of memories together, along with their son, Michael. Taffy and Michael were his whole heart.

Mike was known for his kind heart, thoughtful spirit, and creative witty mind. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time at the hunt club with family and friends. He also loved fishing, golf and the Clemson Tigers.

Those who knew Mike will remember his easy laugh, his generous nature, and his ability to make everyone feel valued and at ease. He was the kind of person who noticed the small things and made them special.

Survivors include his wife, Taffy Kelly Hardin; son, Michael Garrett Hardin (Megan) of Brunswick, Georgia; grandchildren, Colt Hardin, Brodie Sabo, and Hayden Sabo; mother-in-law, Patricia Mims Kelly of Ridgeway, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Dan Kelly (Lori) of Elgin, South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Teresa Phifer (Joe) of Columbia, South Carolina and Tina Tomlin of Gulf Breeze, Florida, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Connie Carter and his father-in-law, James Whit Kelly.

The memorial service for Mr. Hardin will be held at 1 o'clock, Saturday, October 25th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. A Celebration of Life will follow the memorial service at Homewood Suites, 230 Greystone Blvd., Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1800 St Julian Pl #408, Columbia, SC 29204 or the Congaree Land Trust, 2711 Middleburg Dr # 312, Columbia, SC 29204.