George Gardner

On April 6, 1933, George D. Gardner and Lucille Glover Gardner of New Paltz, New York, welcomed a handsome baby boy whom they named George Thomas Gardner. He spent 92 blessed years on God’s earth as one of His faithful soldiers.

George was born and raised on a dairy farm, where he worked alongside his father and brother. It was there that he learned the lifelong values of hard work, discipline, and responsibility.

He was drafted into the United States Army, attended culinary school, and proudly served as a chef. After completing his military service, George continued a life of dedication through several professions: Police Officer with the Clarksville Police Department; driver for Yellow Freight and State Industries, and later as a self-employed owner-operator truck driver.

In 1981, George met and married the love of his life, Clemmie Wimberly, and united with Lewis Wimberly Missionary Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Revered R.L. Dickson.

Deacon George loved barbecuing ribs and all soul food. With his wife by his side, they launched Gardner’s Bar-B-Q Ribs and Such, sharing good food, fellowship, and joy with the community.

Deacon George T. Gardner leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Clemmie Gardner; daughters: Carla Williams, Kansas City, MO, Angela Gardner-Conner, Millington, TN, Jewell Gardner, Springfield, MO, Alethea Gardner, Oxon Hill, MD; sons: Greekgo Gardner, Nashville, TN, Reggie Bell, Louisville, KY; sister, Jewel Turner, New Paltz, NY; 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: Mitzi Turner and Ella Gardner; and his brother, Reggie Gardner.

His legacy of faith, service, love, and hard work will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.