William "Bill" Ray Gardner Sr.

William “Bill” Ray Gardner Sr., age 67, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on August 1, 2014, at Memorial Hospital with family and friends by his side. Born on April 16, 1947, in Keokuk, Iowa, he is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alberta Parsons Gardner, brother Donald Gardner and sister Sharon Bergman. Bill is survived by his wife Paula, of 38 years, six children: William Ray Gardner Jr. (Jodi) of Las Vegas, NV, Stacie Gardner (Peg) of Salt Lake City, UT, Angel Willer (Robb) of Las Vegas, NV, and Christopher Gardner (Stephanie L.), Jeffery Gardner (Stephanie M.) and Thomas Gardner (Teresa) of Jacksonville, FL. Bill is also survived by four sisters, Dorthea Mathies (Lee), Marilyn Boice (Everett), Joanne Shaw, Willa Doty (Herbert), one sister-in-law, Delora Gardner, two brother-in-laws, Gene Yates and Dennis Bergman. Nine grandchildren: Ben, Kyle, Cameron, Connor, Lucas and Delilah Gardner and Kara, Justin and Alex Willer, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and two very special friends, Walt Sinkler and Tom Lapointe. After 31 years, Bill retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and became a truck driver. He loved his family, golfing, fishing, NASCAR and his Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed talking to anyone that would listen and he had the gift of never meeting a stranger. His home was always open to anyone that needed him and he gave his love unconditionally, and helped to pass love on to others. He was always willing to lend a hand and touched the lives of many. Bill will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2014 at Lakewood Presbyterian Church 2001 University Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32217 with Reverend Terry Lucarelli officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill's name to The Wounded Warrior Project.

“YOU KNOW WHAT I’M SAY’N!”