NATCHEZ — Former Alderman George “Shake” Harden died in his home Friday.

City leaders who knew and worked with Harden remember him as a straight shooter and a devoted family man who worked hard for the City of Natchez.

Harden, who was in his mid-60s when he died, represented Ward 2 on the board of aldermen for 15 years from 1985-2000.

“George was always up front. If he believed in something he worked hard for it,” Mayor Jake Middleton said.

Middleton served on the board with Harden for eight years from 1992-2000.

“If you had a difference of opinion, (Harden) was always willing to sit down and listen.”

Former alderwomen and current chairwoman of Natchez Inc., Sue Stedman served on the board of aldermen with Harden for four years.

“(Harden) always tried to be progressive with what he did and tried to do what was right for the city and the people of his ward,” Stedman said.

Stedman said she remembers Harden rarely flip-flopped when it came to politics.

“He was somebody that if he told you how he was going to vote, you could count on him,” Stedman said.

“Once he staked his position, he rarely strayed from it.”

Stedman said she also remembers Harden as a devoted husband and father.

“(Harden’s life) revolved around his children and wife,” Stedman said.

“He was always talking about what Deborah (his wife) had told him — always mentioning her — and you could tell he loved and respected her very much.”

Adams County Board of Supervisors President Darryl Grennell never worked closely with Harden, but Harden was a family friend, personal friend and fraternity brother of Grennell’s, and the two men knew each other for 35 years, Grennell said.

“Shake was a great guy. He was a family-loving man. He loved his wife, he loved his children and he loved this community,” Grennell said.

“He was a very likable fellow, very spiritual person, just a great all-around guy.”

Grennell also said Harden spoke highly — and often — of his wife.

“(Harden) was so proud of his kids and especially proud of his wife, and she was a very intelligent lady, and he knew that, and he bragged on her all the time.” Grennell said.

Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis got to know Harden when she became a board member and because she taught his two daughters, both whom are now doctors, as a teacher at Natchez High School.

Harden also has a son.

Arceneaux-Mathis said Harden was a highly involved parent, and a “well-learned politician.”

Arceneaux-Mathis said Harden was the longest-serving alderman when she joined. She said Harden was dedicated to improving living conditions in his ward.

Harden also chaired the public works committee, Arceneaux-Mathis said.

“He was a really nice person, very knowledgeable and a good family man,” Arceneaux Mathis said.

Middleton said city officials are working on planning a ceremony in honor of Harden, possibly at the end of this week, and he will deliver an update on the details when plans are made.

Harden apparently died in his home, and those interviewed were unsure of the cause of death.

Grennell said Harden was also a religious person, and he had attended Zion African Methodist Episcopal church.

“(Harden) was a person who loved this community, and he loved his family, and he loved God,” he said.

Details about services for Harden will be updated when they are made available.