In Loving Memory of Maurice Belmont "Pepper" Harding, Jr.

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

With profound reverence and eternal gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary journey of Maurice Belmont "Pepper" Harding, Jr.—a proud Wampanoag son, U.S. Army veteran, civil rights warrior, faithful Mason, devoted public servant, and above all, a fiercely loving husband and father. Pepper entered eternal peace on April 9, 2025, at age 85, surrounded by the living testament of a life defined by strength, purpose, and boundless compassion.

Born March 2, 1940, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and raised in the resilient coastal community of Bourne, Pepper carried within him the enduring spirit of the Wampanoag of the Herring Pond Tribe—their wisdom, their fire, and their unwavering determination. Rising from humble beginnings, Pepper navigated life's challenges with remarkable grace. After graduating high school in 1958, he answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Private E-1, specializing as a Medical Specialist (911.10). His training at Fort Dix and Fort Sam Houston prepared him for service at Fort Lewis, Washington, before his overseas deployment during the Korean War. This military service laid the foundation for what would become a lifetime devoted to others—first to the country, then to the community.

Upon returning home, Pepper emerged as a relentless champion for equality. He stood towering in the civil rights movement, not through words alone but through daily action—challenging systems of inequality, advocating for people of color, and giving voice to the marginalized. Justice wasn't merely his cause; it was his practice. Seattle, Washington eventually became his home, where he served the city in logistics
and engineering, rising to supervisor in the utilities department. Many Seahawks fans knew him as the steadfast figure at the players' tunnel during home games, his commanding presence offering both security and inspiration to the team and spectators alike.

Yet among all his roles, none compared to the one he shared with his beloved wife, Mary Jean.

Their marriage in November 1985 marked the beginning of a union that transcended the ordinary. Their relationship "fit like a glove"—a seamless partnership founded on mutual respect, genuine friendship, and unwavering commitment. Together, they weathered life's storms, raised children, championed each other's dreams, and built a life both life's storms, raised children, championed each other's dreams, and built a life both practical and profound. Their authentic bond became a beacon of hope to all who
witnessed it.

Where he provided strength, she offered steadiness. Where she envisioned, he manifested. For decades, they walked neither behind nor ahead—but beside each other as true partners. Theirs was not a love proclaimed loudly, but one demonstrated consistently. In a world often starved for examples of faithful partnership, Pepper and Mary Jean's marriage stood as living proof that genuine love endures—and transforms lives.

Together, they raised five children—Pepper embracing fatherhood not through obligation of blood, but through devotion of heart. His children loved him, honored him, and claimed him as "Dad" in every way that matters. Beyond providing shelter, he offered guidance, stability, and an exemplary model of manhood that will resonate through generations.

Pepper was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Sr. and Alberta, his sister Gail, his grandson Kenneth Harding Jr., and the cherished elders whose lives illuminated his path. He leaves behind his wife Mary Jean, his beloved children Cloudrine, David, Vicky, Stephanie, and Kenny, his siblings, his grandchildren Dion Maurice, Dionte Marcus, DiAndre Marcel, Drevon Jaheem, Di'Mond Fisher, Ricquita San Nicolas, Lon"Yea, Adams, Pryawns, Williams, Alexsandra, Ondrell Harding and countless lives forever changed by his presence

Maurice Belmont "Pepper" Harding, Jr. was more than a man—he was a cornerstone, holding families together, building bridges between communities, and transforming hardship into heritage. He lived as a warrior, husband, healer, protector, and above all, a man of unshakable principle and love.

Rest now, Pepper. You loved deeply. You fought valiantly, You led courageously. You finished with honor. Your legacy continues in every life you touched.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service, 336 E. Grand Ave Hot Springs, AR 71901.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.