He was the son of the late Lawrence E. and Lyda Blackwell Gardner.
He was married to the love of his life, Zellan Strickland Gardner, for 71 years. Max loved and was loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Zellan, daughter Dale, son Phil (Teresa), step grand-daughter Ashlynn, and adopted daughter Dr. Julie Kahler.
He was a faithful member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, S.C., and a former member of Edwards Road Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and Sunday School teacher. Max was a top salesman with Metropolitan Life for 66 years and appeared in Life Magazine for his accomplishments. He was a past president of the Greenville Life Underwriters. He attended Spartanburg Methodist College and served in the Army during the Korean war.
His life-long passions were his deep faith, time with family, and diligence at work. Max was a wonderful husband, father and friend. His presence will be missed, but his memory and legacy will carry on. His favorite scripture was John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
The funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park Chapel, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, S.C., with internment at the cemetery.
A special thanks to NHC, Boiling Springs Road, for their remarkable caregivers. Please omit flowers.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18