Tommy was born May 11, 1949 in Baxley, Georgia. He was the son of the late William Roy Gardner and Marie Ann Altman Gardner.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, J.L Gardner, Willie Gardner, Max Gardner and Betty Beavin.
Survivors include his wife, Renee Bongard Gardner; a daughter, Lina Strother; four sons, Ronnie Gardner, Donnie Gardner, Michael Gardner and Tony Fortson and his wife, Eva; one sister, Wilma Spell and her husband, Darwin; seven grandchildren, Unisty Fortson, Juilette Fortson, Larisa Fortson, Felix Fortson, Zane Fortson, Conner Fortson and Jacob Jones; one great-grandchild, Baylor Jones.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 453, Danielsville, GA 30633.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com for the Gardner family.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.
