Deacon David T. Gardner, Sr.

Deacon David T. Gardner, Sr., well known East-Sider passed away peacefully on February 26, 2021 with his loving and dedicated wife at his side. He was born to the late Walter E. Gardner Sr., Zelma Bowman Gardner on January 4, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida. He received his early education in the local public schools in Duval County graduating from Matthew W. Gilbert High School - class of 1969. Furthering his education, he attended Edwards Waters College and later completed courses and obtained certifications at the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. He retired from BellSouth after 36 years of dedicated service. Not one to sit idle, he later joined the I.L.A. local 1408 where he worked until his heavenly transition.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Greater Macedonia Baptist Church on Franklin Street. Under the spiritual leadership and guidance of Dr. Landon L. Williams, Sr., he served faithfully as the co-chair of Pastor’s annual anniversary, an usher, and a member of the audio-visual committee.

He met his future wife, Deborah L. Wilson during high school and they were later united in Holy Matrimony as husband and wife on August 14, 1970. That union blessed them with three children, David. Jr., Daryn, and Dana - all whom share his initials D.T.G.

David, affectionally known as Chess or D.T., enjoyed traveling with his wife, planning family reunions, golfing, gardening, photography, kicking back at the Union Hall and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-time Super Bowl Champions).

Deacon Gardner leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Deborah Gardner; children, Schkenna Neloms (Johnny), David Jr. (Deidra), Daryn, and Dana; grandchildren, David III, Jessica, Johnny and Donte; a loving and devoted sister , Corine Steward; brothers, Walter Gardner Jr. (Mary), Nathaniel Gardner (Cheryl) and Herman Gardner; a loving god-sister and god-brother, Betty Ann & Gerald Watson; cousin, Mary Green; sisters-in-law, Pastor Jackie Porter, Myra Wilson, Sharron Mays, Frankie Washington and Francina Ware (Darrell) of Hinesville, Georgia; brother-in-law, Theodore Mays (Marvine); pastor/friend, Reverend Dr. Landon L. Williams, Sr.; mother-in-Christ, Sister Myrtis Avery; devoted neighbors, The Bell Family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends including, Bruce Lockhart, Larry Altman, Eliza Baker, Deborah Davis, The Wells Family, The Way Family, and Mike and Jerri Harrellson; I.L.A. buddies, Reggie T and Polk; The Dunn’s Food Store Crew.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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