John G. “Gerry” Gardner
October 17, 1935 ~ August 2, 2018
Signature Sympathy Cards
WILMINGTON - John G. "Gerry" Gardner, age 82, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Born in Nash County, NC on October 17, 1935, he was the son of the late Sue and James Gardner.
Gerry attended Rocky Mount schools and graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He served in the U.S. Army and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount. Gerry was a successful business leader with interest in Hardee's Franchises and Gardner Foods. Gerry was an avid traveler, going to many countries around the world.
Gerry leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 36 years, Gypsie Gardner; step-daughter, Legare Simpson; daughter, Ashley Gardner and husband, Brian Finney; son, Jay Gardner and wife, Heather; and son, Jamie Gardner and wife, Arlyn. He is also survived by grandchildren, John Gardner III, Rebecca Gardner, Jessie and Virginia Finney, Tristan Gardner; step-grandchildren, Lindsey Ross, Haven Ross, and Charlotte Ross; brothers, Jim Gardner and wife, Marie; and Fred Gardner and wife, Kathy; and numerous nieces and nephews; also, two of his special friends, his dogs, Buster and Patch.
The Family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, August 6, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
There will be a Private Family Graveside Service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Crackers, PO Box 8860, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Monday 8/6, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, August 6, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Service
There will be a Private Family Graveside Service at a later date.
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
There will be a Private Family Graveside Service at a later date.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you be comforted beyond measure as you reflect on the solid promise of a resurrection for all who have died. (John 528-29) Almighty God cannot lie, his promises are our guarantee and will soon become our reality. (Titus 12) JW.ORG
I met Mr Gardner in 1988 when I came to work at Hardee’s in Southport NC as a General Manager. In all of my years in the food service industry I have never had a owner as great as he was. He genuinely cared about each and every manager of all his restaurants. He was tough but very fair. He wanted things done the right way, and taught me a lot during my career. Although I left several times over the years, he always welcomed me back with open arms. He made all of us feel like we were part of the family. He accomplished many things in his life and touched many people. I will truly be forever grateful for what he did for me and my family. Rest In Peace Mr Gardner with our Heavenly Father where there is no more pain or sorrow. You will be greatly missed by so many people that you have left behind. We will meet again in Heaven some day. It was a pleasure to have worked for you, and to now work for your children.
Heaven welcomed a very, very fine man. Will offer tomorrow’s mass in his name. Thoughts and prayers from, Jeff & Ann Walsh
I am so sorry! He was my brother-in-laws roommate in college and I have heard many good stories about him. Gerry was a special guy and I am glad I got to know him. I am thinking of all of you and saying lots of prayers! He will be missed by many. I am sorry I will be out of town Monday or I would be there! Eliza Bowen
Dear Gyosie…. My heart is filled with love and support for you. You Rest In Peace knowing you were the love of Gerry’s life and you were an awesome wife. I have a sweet picture of Gerry, Legare and Katy outside the plane that you generously shared with Katy headed to the Bahamas… Your faith will bring you osace Love always and give Legare a big hug for me. Kathryn
Marty and Bill Kincheloe will be out of the U.S. and will be unable to join the visitation on Monday. We have MANY great memories of and with Gerry, and sincerely regret we won’t be able to address the old times with our gang on Monday.
Randy and I are very sorry for your loss. May Gerry rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. We will be keeping your family close in our hearts and prayers. Randy and Cille Richardson
I have valued the trust he had for me! May he Rest In Peace.
Many prayers for your family
Thinking of all of you so sorry for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the great memories you shared, and in the loving family that surrounds you now. May GOD bless all of you. John & Dina Corpening
Dear Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one Gerry. May you be comforted beyond measure as you reflect on the solid promise of a resurrection for all who have died. (John 528-29) Almighty God cannot lie, his promises are our guarantee and will soon become our reality. (Titus 12) JW.ORG
I’m so sorry for your loss. Cherish all the great memories to keep him close in your heart. Sending you love and prayers.
In memory of John G. Gerry Gardner, Kay sanders smith lit a candle
Gypsy , Stuart and I are so sorry for your loss . We know that Gerry had not been well for some time and that you had given him such loving care . He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him . Our deepest sympathy, Stuart and Dee Dee Hicks
Our love and prayers Gypsie.. Eduardo and Melissa Marsigli
RIP Mr Gardner. Was always a pleasure talking to you, a rare gentleman and a class act. May your memory last forever.
Mr. Gardner, you’ll be missed! Your style and class with that great sense of humor! I’m praying for your family!
Cliff joins me in sending heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the entire family. Please know that you are all in our prayers.
MAY GOD BE WITH ALL THE GARDNER FAMILY AS YOU MOVE THROUGH THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
In memory of John G. Gerry Gardner, Bernice D. Perry & The Deans Family lit a candle
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the entire Gardner family. May his memory be cherished by all who knew him. He was one of the kindest men I ever knew.
My condolences to the family. Gerry was a fine man and a good client of mine back in the day when I was still living in Ricky Mount. Great businessman too.
Dear Jay, Jamie and Ashley. Your father was the epitome of a fiercly loving father. His love for each of you was palpable. I was so inspired by him! I’m so deeply sorry for this great loss to your entire family. All of my love, Veronique
Dear Ashley, Jay, Jamie, and Gypsie and entire Garner Family, I send my deepest condolences to each of you. Your Dad was ALWAYS the MOST supportive and loving to me, and to all of Ashley’s extended NCSA Family from day one to the end. He was always so kind, such a gentleman, and so generous of spirit with us. Every single memory I have of him is with a smile and always felt support and care from him. He is responsible for each of you, and you each honor him with what beautiful people you are. I can’t be there in person, but am there in my heart and send you lots of love. Ted Brunetti
Ashley, Jay, and Jamie, My heart goes out to you with the loss of your father. He was Southern elegance personified, and a generous and loving father. A life well lived and now he is at peace. I hope, in your grief, you will take some comfort in that . Love, Jessica
To the Gardner family, sending heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the you all. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Dearest Gypsy and Legare…Caroline and I wish to extend to you our most sincere condolences as to your loss of Gerry. We had no knowledge of Gerry’s health challenges only until recently. May your love and memories of him remain strong within you both. Gerry will be sorely missed. So sad. Much love to you… Caroline and Louie S
Gypsy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Legare during this difficult time. Emmette, Paula and Boyd Tharrington, Raleigh, N.C.
Gypsy and Legare, Words are not enough to ease the sadness of losing someone so important to you but even if I don’t have the right words, my thoughts are with you, especially during this difficult time. Linda Inge Duke and Heather Duke Snowa