Freddie Gardner, a man of great valor, was born on May 16, 1928 in Jacksonville, Fla. His heart of love and courage stopped on January 15, 2011, following a lengthy illness. One of four children born to the late Isreal “Dan” and Fannie Gardner, Mr. Gardner received his education at LaVilla and Old Stanton High School. At a young age, he understood the importance of building values based on hard work, diligence and responsibility. Throughout his years, Mr. Gardner led a variety of masonry projects producing numerous buildings, swimming pools, monuments and homes throughout northeast Florida. He retired from Florida Wilbert, Inc. in 1994 after 27 years of service, earning commendations for his dedication, initiative, and quality work ethic.

In 1954, he married Ruth Jackson, a union that lasted over 56 years and produced three children. In addition to building the home in which his family resided, Mr. Gardner built a strong spiritual foundation as evidenced by his 64-year membership at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon.

Deacon Gardner is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Freddie Bruce Gardner, Mildred Lynn Fields and Marsha Ruth Oliver; one grandchild, Joel Gardner Oliver; sisters Altemese Gardner and Hortense Lundy; god-daughter, Angie Dixon; several nieces and nephews; and a number of special childhood friends including Rudolph McKissick, Sr. and Clarence Belton. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Isreal Gardner.

Funeral services for Deacon Gardner will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist St., Bishops Rudolph McKissick, Sr. and Jr., presiding. The Gardner family will receive friends during the visitation at the church on Friday, 5 - 7PM. Viewing on Saturday, will be one hour before the service. Entombment will immediately follow services at Edgewood Cemetery. Visit and view the photographic memories @ www.tswarden.com to share your condolences with the family. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC

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