William “Bill” McKinley Gardner, 92, of Mount Holly, went home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2022 in his home. Born January 14, 1929 in Mecklenburg County, he was the son of William H. and Edna M. (Godfrey) Gardner. He married Betty Patat on March 8, 1956 in Matthews.
A U.S. Army National Guard Veteran, Bill retired from U.S. Foods after 30 years of employment. He was a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a member and Deacon for many years.
An accomplished North and South Carolina Champion of Micro-Midget racecars from 1955 – 1959, Bill was known as the “Blue Devil.” He was also an avid Harley Davidson Motorcycle driver, which he thoroughly enjoyed, along with cutting wood and spending time with his family.
Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his children, Rebecca (Tim) Hipp, W.M. “Bill” (Debbie) Gardner Jr., Teresa (Spence) Grigg, Janet (Mike) Gordon and Karen (Mike) Auten; 16 grandchildren and 12 spouses, along with 27 great-grandchildren; brothers, Boby (Ella), Paul (Nancy), Carl and Phil Gardner; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; sister, Margaret Moser; brothers, Wade and Charles Gardner.
Funeral Service 2 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 1601 Toddville Road. Visitation 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.
