Billy Gardner, Sr.

Billy Gray Gardner, Sr. 89 of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at his residence.

Mr. Gardner was born in Winston-Salem in 1931.  He attended Grey High School and afterwards further advanced his education by completing many government trade school and civilian college courses.

In 1951, Mr. Gardner married June Williams in Tucson, AZ.  Their marriage of 57 years produced 4 children and 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Lee Gardner; daughters, Denise Jackson & husband Dale and Jill Jones & husband David; sons, Bill Gardner, Jr. & wife Linda and David Gardner & wife Terry; stepsons, Ronnie West & wife Jeanette and Kenneth Wayne West; grandchildren, Rebecca Gardner, Sarah Gardner, Kelly Arnold, Glenn Enloe, Kimberly Verlinger, Daniel Gardner, Rachael Gercken and Ryan Jones; and 11 great grandchildren.

Mr. Gardner’s US Government Services spanned 42 years.  The first 22 years, he served as a member of the US Air Force, and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.  While in the Air Force, Mr. Gardner actively participated in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He then served another 20 years, five with the US Postal Service, and fifteen with the Dept. of Defense  as a G5-12 Civilian Technical Advisor.  He participated in “Desert Storm” and later finally retired in 1994.