Henry Clarence "Corkie" Harden

Henry Clarence "Corkie" Harden, Jr., 92, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, husband of Mignonne Cheney Harden entered into eternal rest Saturday, March 20, 2021. A Graveside Service will be held Monday, March 29, 2021 in Christ Church Cemetery, 2304 Highway 17 North, Mt. Pleasant at 2:00 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel.

Corkie was born was born September 4, 1928 in Savannah, Georgia, son of the late Henry Clarence Harden, Sr. and Marianne Sugden Harden. He was raised on the rivers of South Savannah and spent his childhood fishing almost every day with his grandmother. His love of the water continued throughout his life, especially Price's Inlet.

Corkie was a 1947 graduate of Carlisle Military School, where he played the trumpet, and then went on to the Philadelphia School of Horology. Following graduation, he moved to Charleston where he worked as an engraver in his aunt's father's jewelry store, W.P. Cart Company. His artistic talents led him to engraving. In 1950, he was drafted into service as a Sergeant First Class in the Korean War. While in Korea, he used his love of drawing to provide fellow soldiers with detailed drawings of recoilles rifles, while also sharing his musical talents on the trumpet.

Following his military service, Corkie returned to school, this time earning a jeweler degree in Washington D.C. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart and they remained in Washington until he completed his studies. The couple returned to Charleston in 1954 and made their home in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, where they became members of St. Andrews Church.


Corkie was a true Southern gentleman who loved his family and friends. He was a charter member of the Mt. Pleasant ROMEOS, and looked forward to his monthly luncheons with this fine group of men. He was a gifted and talented hand engraver, and his beautiful works of art have made their way into the homes of family, friends, and customers across the country. His most important role in life was that of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mignonne Cheney Harden; two children, Mindy Buhrmaster (Donnie), and Hank Harden (Ginny) of Beaufort, SC; his grandchildren, Jim Isaac (Emily), John Harden Isaac (Courtney), Cheney Harden, and Donnie Buhrmaster; and five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katharyne, and Whit Buhrmaster, McCaffrey and Johnnie Isaac. He is also survived by his brother, Harry B. Harden (Rita) of Indiana and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Church, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; or Lowcountry Lab Rescue, P.O. Box 13627, Charleston, SC 29422.