Wallace Gardner Temple, Jr.

Gardner was born on October 18, 1940, in Zebulon, North Carolina, son of Wallace Gardner Temple, Sr. and Rachell Hoggard Temple.

He graduated from Zebulon High School, attended Gordon Military College in Georgia, and proudly served in the United States Army. He began a career in automobile sales in Raleigh, North Carolina where he met the love of his life, Willa Dean Thompson. He transitioned to a career at First Citizen’s Bank where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, grilling, and beach vacations with his family. His greatest joy was time with his family, especially his grandsons, of whom he was so proud. He kept his father’s legacy by becoming a Master Mason of over 50 years. As a faithful servant of God, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clayton, where he found joy in serving on various committees and in the fellowship of his men’s group.

Gardner is survived by his daughters, Lisa Ann Temple and her husband William Vinson Ratliff, Renee Temple Grantham and her husband Mark Edward Grantham; two grandsons, Davis Richard Domina (Sierra Burbank Domina), and Cameron Wallce Domina. He is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Willa Dean Thompson Temple; his sister, Martha Temple Bannister; his father, Wallace Gardner Temple, Sr.; and his mother, Rachel Hoggard Temple.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Clayton on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 am, with a service following at 12Noon.

His family will remember him as a man of honor, decency, generosity, faith, and devotion.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the Temple family.