Jerry Gardner

Jerry Gardner, 83, of Bessemer City, North Carolina, passed away on January 25, 2024. Born on August 8, 1940, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Jerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jerry's foremost passion in life was to share the Gospel of Christ to help others prepare for the coming of the Lord. He found joy in the blessings that the Lord provided, including his family, friends, and home. Jerry spent countless hours working in the garden, walking through the woods, and caring for his home and property, which he believed the Lord had entrusted to him. He not only planted seeds in his garden but also planted the Word and Power of God's Love in the souls of everyone he encountered. The fruit of those seeds has taken root and flourished in the many lives he touched throughout the years. Jerry's family will miss him dearly, along with all the fun times and laughter they shared. No one makes potato salad like Poppa!

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Gardner, and their children: Debbie, Cheryl, Bryan (Tammy), Chris (Keera). He was a proud grandfather to Brandon, Jennifer, Jessica, Simon, Crystal, Jacob, Graydon, Branson, and Kailey and a cherished great-grandfather to Alexis, Brantley, Braelynn, Noah, Mason, and Miles; brother, Ronald Gardner; sister, Donna Lusher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby E. McGar, father, Roscoe C. Gardner, sister, Patsy Hunter, and grandmother, Donnie Griffith.

Jerry attended Warlick Elementary for his primary education and graduated from Ashley High School. He furthered his education at Gaston College and Flight Engineer School. Jerry served in the United States Air Force for 15 years, where he held the ranks of Airman, Crew Chief, Flight Engineer, and Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Air Force in 1972, Jerry joined IBM in Charlotte, NC, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

Jerry worshipped at Ranlo Church of God, where his faith played an important role in his life. He found solace and strength in his religious beliefs.

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed fishing, gardening, ministering the Gospel, and writing. These hobbies brought him joy and allowed him to express his creativity and love for nature.

A funeral service to honor Jerry's life will be held at Greene's Westside Chapel in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6:00 p.m.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family kindly requests that contributions be made in Jerry's memory to Hospice of Gastonia, NC, and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

Burial will be Thursday, February 8, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Salisbury National Cemetery, in Salisbury, NC.

The West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 216 Archie Whitesides Road, Gastonia, NC, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Jerry Gardner will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his kindness, faith, and love. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Condolences may be sent online at:  www.greenefuneral.com.