Richard Allen "Ricky" Harding, Sr., 44, of Compton, MD and formerly of Mechanicsville, MD, died June 4, 2008 at his residence. Born August 30, 1963 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of Raymond Aloysius Harding, Sr. of Leonardtown, MD and the late Agnes Teresa Wathen Harding.

He is survived by his son Richard Harding and his wife Michelle and his daughters Jennifer and Elizabeth Harding, all of Compton, MD as well as three grandchildren; Alexis, McKenzie and Richard Harding III. He is also survived by his siblings; Agnes Patricia VanRyswick of Leonardtown, MD, Raymond Aloysius Harding, Jr. of California, MD, Linda Anne Knott of Chaptico, MD and William Samuel Harding of Mechanicsville, MD and his extended family Shelly Knott, Gary Knott and Terri Vause.

He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Ellen Knott and his brother Thomas Edward Harding. A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Ricky attended Chopticon High School. He was employed as a fence mechanic for 30 years with J & P, Clinton and Massey Fence. He loved to fish, hunt and spend time with his three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:30 AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating and Fr. Paul co-officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Daniel Harding, David Harding, Bruce Knott, Jr., Larry Dutrow, Donnie Grinder and Semore Adams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary Knott, William Harding, Jr., Eric Kirkpatrick, Ronald Vause, Bruce Knott, Sr. and Benjamin Harding.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.